German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reaffirmed that he will remain in office and continue his reform programme despite heavy losses suffered by his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in two state elections.
The CDU suffered its worst-ever result in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, securing just 4.9% of the vote and failing to cross the five per cent threshold required for representation in the state parliament. The result marked the first time in 77 years that the party has failed to enter the state legislature.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) emerged as the strongest party in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with about 38% of the vote, more than doubling its previous result. However, other major parties have ruled out forming a coalition with the AfD, leaving the party unlikely to lead the state government despite its first-place finish.
In Berlin, the Left Party secured the strongest result, while the CDU finished behind it. The AfD also made gains in the capital, adding to pressure on Germany’s mainstream political parties.
Merz described the CDU’s performance in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as a “disaster” but said he would continue as chancellor and CDU leader. He pledged to pursue reforms covering areas including taxation, healthcare, pensions and bureaucracy.
The election results come as Germany continues to face economic challenges, including sluggish growth, industrial job losses and high energy costs. Economic concerns and rising living costs featured prominently in the campaigns and contributed to voter dissatisfaction with established parties.
The results also raise questions about the political stability of Europe’s largest economy and the ability of Merz’s government to advance its economic reform agenda while maintaining support for its policies toward Ukraine and Russia.
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