German CDU suffers historic losses in state elections as AfD and Left make gains

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) fell below the 5% threshold for the first time in its history in the state election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, preventing it from entering the state parliament. In Berlin, where the party had been the incumbent, the CDU also suffered a significant decline and is expected to move to opposition.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged the results as a turning point, saying the outcome would have a lasting impact on the party. He linked the defeats to unpopular federal policies and a broader shift in Germany’s party system, noting that more than 40% of votes went to parties he described as “destructive” and offering “radical and simple solutions.”

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) increased its share to 16% in Berlin and to 38% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, more than doubling its previous result in the latter state. AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla referred to the surge as a “blue wave.”

The socialist Left Party also made gains, doubling its Berlin vote to 26% and winning the city-state election for the first time. Party leader Elif Eralp framed the result as a victory for solidarity, diversity and democracy. The party faced criticism over a controversial performance by a rapper at a campaign event, which the party’s Berlin district association said it would clarify.

SPD leader Manuela Schwesig, who placed second in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with about 36% of the vote, signaled a willingness to negotiate with the Greens and the Left to form a state government. She criticized Merz’s plan for deep welfare cuts, particularly a proposed pension reform, and reminded him of the federal coalition agreement that guarantees a pension without deductions after 45 years of contributions.

Within the CDU, several eastern state premiers have expressed concerns about the chancellor’s reform agenda. SPD co-leader Bärbel Bas said the party must draw “correct conclusions” from the elections while maintaining the federal coalition, acknowledging public dissatisfaction with the upcoming reforms.

Political scientist Wolfgang Muno described the AfD as a right-wing extremist party and said the Left has become a pragmatic, democratically oriented force, arguing that the CDU should not label it extremist.

The election outcomes highlight a fragmentation of Germany’s traditional party landscape, with the CDU losing ground to both the far right and the left.