CDU hits historic low in coastal state

Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union scored just four point nine percent in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, below the five percent threshold to enter state parliament. Merz called it a disaster.

AfD surges to record in former communist region

The far-right Alternative für Deutschland won first place in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with thirty eight point three percent, more than doubling its previous score according to ARD projections.

Far-left Die Linke leads in Berlin

In the capital, the far-left Die Linke looked on course to win with about twenty five percent of the vote, ahead of the incumbent CDU by a five-point margin.

Merz vows to stay as chancellor and party leader

In a rare speech on Sunday's election night, Merz said he would remain chancellor and party chair and continue a reform drive on taxes, healthcare, pensions and reducing bureaucracy.

Merz blames lack of support from Berlin

Merz admitted the CDU had been bitterly deprived of tailwinds from Berlin in both Sunday's races, citing the German economy's profound upheaval and harsher public discourse.

Merz warns of institutional erosion

Trust in Germany's institutions is waning and being actively undermined by radical parties on both left and right, Merz said. He argued reforms are the antidote to authoritarianism.

“Trust in our country's institutions is waning and is being actively undermined by radical parties on both the left and the right.”

AfD co-leader demands Merz's resignation

Tino Chrupalla, the AfD's co-chair, mocked Merz before his speech, saying voters had given his party a very clear result and called on the chancellor to resign.

Merz's collapse threatens European stability

Merz's eroding support has created instability in Europe's top economy. If the AfD surge forced him to abandon office prematurely, it would give the far right further momentum as France, Italy, Spain and Poland head into elections next year.

AfD leads national polls with radical agenda

The AfD is the biggest opposition force in parliament and leads national opinion polls with about thirty percent. It has called for Germany to quit the euro, end Ukraine support and carry out mass deportations.

Merz faces low approval after sixteen months

Only one in ten Germans say they are satisfied with Merz's performance after he took office in May twenty twenty-five. An inability to connect with voters appears particularly marked in the former communist east, where the AfD is strongest.