German Chancellor Merz Faces Party Turmoil After CDU Historic Losses in State Elections
The Christian Democratic Union suffered its worst-ever result in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and lost representation in the regional parliament, prompting Chancellor Friedrich Merz to vow to stay in office amid growing internal dissent.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the recent state election outcomes as a “disaster” and delivered a televised address minutes after polls closed in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, pledging to continue his economic recovery programme.
In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the CDU fell to 4.9% of the vote, failing to win any seats in the regional parliament for the first time since World War II. The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) led with 38%, while the centre-left Social Democrats, the CDU’s coalition partner, received 35.5%.
The party also lost its governing position in Berlin, where the left-wing Linke party is expected to form a new coalition. The results follow a recent defeat in Saxony-Anhalt, where the CDU obtained only 17% against the AfD’s near-44% share.
"Friedrich Merz is fighting for his political survival," said Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg Bank, noting that Merz’s commitment to pro-growth reforms will be tested by unrest within the party.
Party insiders reportedly expressed dissent during a meeting at the CDU headquarters, criticizing Merz’s decision to give a defiant speech. The chancellor cancelled a planned trip to New York for a UN General Assembly address to remain in Berlin and manage the fallout. With 16 months in office, Merz faces pressure to address the electoral setbacks and internal challenges.