Merz Vows to Stay After CDU Election Disaster
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to remain in office and continue his reform agenda after his Christian Democratic Union suffered major defeats in two state elections, while the Alternative for Germany (AfD) topped the vote in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Die Linke emerged first in Berlin.
CDU Falls Below 5% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the AfD secured about 38.3% of the vote, ahead of the Social Democrats on 35.4%.
Merz’s CDU recorded just 4.9%, its worst performance in any German state election since 1949. The result puts the party below the 5% threshold normally required to enter the state parliament.
Merz described the result as a “disaster” but rejected speculation that he would step down, saying his government would continue pursuing economic and social reforms.
Die Linke Wins Berlin State Election
Berlin delivered a different result, with Die Linke winning around 25.3% of the vote. The CDU finished second with approximately 19%, while the AfD secured about 16.3%, its strongest result in the German capital.
Housing costs dominated much of the Berlin campaign. Die Linke campaigned on measures aimed at reducing rents and has supported bringing large privately owned housing portfolios under public control.
Coalition negotiations will now determine the next Berlin government.
German Election Results Increase Pressure on Merz
The results follow the AfD’s strong performance in Saxony-Anhalt earlier in September and increase political pressure on Merz less than 17 months into his chancellorship.
Germany continues to face concerns over weak economic growth, high living costs, industrial competitiveness and energy prices. Immigration and Germany’s support for Ukraine have also featured prominently in recent election campaigns.
Merz said he would continue planned reforms covering taxation, pensions, healthcare and bureaucracy despite the electoral setbacks.
