German Chancellor Merz calls state election a ‘disaster’ for his party but vows to stay on
Merz Vows to Stay On After CDU Election Setbacks
Constantvpn.com – German Chancellor Merz calls state election results a “disaster” for his Christian Democratic Union, but has said he will remain in office and continue pursuing his government’s reform plans. Exit polls in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern suggested another difficult night for the CDU after recent losses elsewhere in Germany.
The regional votes followed a sharp fall in CDU support in Saxony-Anhalt two weeks earlier, where the party’s vote share was cut in half and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved a major victory. The new projections have increased pressure on Friedrich Merz and renewed questions about the CDU’s political direction.
Merz said he accepted responsibility for the results, while arguing that Germany needed determined action on the economy, taxes and welfare.
“The reforms have to come.”
He said difficult decisions would require “backbone, steadfastness and patience”, both from him as CDU leader and as chancellor. Merz also described the reform programme as a response to the growing attraction of authoritarian politics.
AfD Leads in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, exit polls projected the CDU at 5%, a result that could become its worst in the state. The AfD was forecast to come first with 38%, while the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) stood close behind on 36%.
The projected result highlighted the AfD’s continued strength in parts of eastern Germany. However, a first-place finish would not automatically give the party a route into government, as other parties have continued to rule out cooperation with it.
For the CDU, the result raised concerns about its declining influence in a state where it has historically been a significant political force. The party’s position near the parliamentary threshold added to the scale of the setback.
Berlin Result Deepens CDU Concerns
German Chancellor Merz calls state election results a warning after projections in Berlin also placed the CDU behind its rivals. The party was forecast to receive 20% of the vote, while Die Linke, or The Left, was nearing 26%.
Elif Eralp, Die Linke’s lead candidate in Berlin, celebrated as the first estimates emerged. At the CDU’s election event in the capital, the atmosphere was subdued as party members absorbed another disappointing projection.
State elections do not directly decide the fate of a federal chancellor, but they can reshape political momentum. The latest results have intensified doubts about whether Merz can expand the CDU’s appeal while facing pressure from the AfD on the right and parties including Die Linke on the left.
Merz Rejects Calls for a Change of Chancellor
Before the elections, there had been increasing discussion in German politics about whether Merz could be replaced if the CDU’s fortunes did not improve. Talk of a possible mid-term “chancellor swap” had grown even though he has been in office for only 16 months.
His supporters have called for patience. Earlier in the week, leaders of eight German states publicly backed Merz. Burkard Dregger, a CDU member of Berlin’s Senate, argued that the chancellor should be allowed to continue rather than prompting a change in the federal government.
“He has a lot of work to do and we don't have time to waste to form new government in the federal level.”
Dregger said voters were impatient and that major political problems could not reasonably be solved within one year. He said Merz should be given the full term available to him.
“He has got four years and we have to give him the four years.”
FAQ: What Do the Results Mean for German Politics?
Will the state election results remove Friedrich Merz as chancellor?
No. Regional elections do not automatically remove a German chancellor. However, poor results can weaken a leader politically and increase pressure within their party and coalition.
Why is the AfD result significant?
The AfD’s projected 38% in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern underlines its strong support in parts of eastern Germany. Its ability to enter government remains limited where other parties refuse to form coalitions with it.
What is Merz’s response to the CDU losses?
German Chancellor Merz calls state election setbacks serious, but says he will stay in office and press ahead with reforms intended to address economic, tax and welfare issues.