Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania result a “disaster” but said he will remain in office and continue with potentially painful economic and welfare reforms amid rising support for the far-right AfD.
Merz, 70, who has led Germany for 16 months, called the result a “disaster” but pledged to stay and press ahead with reforms.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) made significant gains, adding to pressure after its strong showing in Saxony-Anhalt on Sept. 6.
The anti-migration, Russia-friendly Alternative for Germany party made significant gains Sunday. Merz's authority was already damaged by CDU's stinging defeat to AfD in the Sept. Merz, 70, became Germany's leader 16 months ago with promises to turn around an economy that has barely grown in years, but has failed to lift a sullen national mood and has himself become deeply unpopular.
He argued that Germany's economic and political problems made difficult and potentially unpopular reforms more urgent, not less, and pledged to press ahead with "backbone, steadfastness and patience." In Berlin, the CDU was projected to come in second with 20%, behind the Left party at 24.5%, according to ARD's exit poll. NPR does not offer or accept money for coverage or interviews.
The far-right Alternative for Germany party made significant gains. World Germany's Merz vows to press ahead with reforms after historic state election defeat September 20, 2026 1:29 PM ET By The Associated Press German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks to media at the Christian Democratic Union party headquarters in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, Sept. Markus Schreiber/AP hide caption toggle caption Markus Schreiber/AP BERLIN — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he plans to stay in office after his party's losses in two state elections on Sunday, and again doubled down on the government's plans for potentially painful reforms to Europe's biggest economy.
The 70-year-old leader took office 16 months ago with promises to reignite an economy stalled for years
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suffered a bruising electoral setback in two state elections on Sunday, including a historic defeat for his party, but vowed to press ahead with potentially painful reforms to Europe’s biggest economy. Exit polls by public broadcaster ARD on Sunday night indicated that Merz’s centre-rig
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has faced a major electoral setback in two state elections including a historic defeat for his party.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has faced a major electoral setback in two state elections including a historic defeat for his party.
Should the Christian Democratic Union stay below 5% in the final vote count, it would mean that the party would fail for the first time to win seats in a state legislature anywhere in Germany.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has suffered major state election defeats, with his CDU party recording a historic low of 5 per cent in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Loading more related stories...
Open the app view to save this story, compare related coverage, and continue from the same source.