Merz Vows to Stay as CDU Suffers Heavy Election Losses

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to remain in office after his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) suffered heavy losses in two state elections. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the CDU won just 4.9%, falling below the threshold for parliament, while the AfD secured about 38%.

Merz described the result as a “disaster” but said his government would continue with its reform programme. The results have increased pressure within his governing coalition, while the AfD has called for a different approach to relations with Russia and the Ukraine war.