Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces third electoral setback in two weeks as CDU loses key state elections, with far-right AfD securing 38% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Merz denies personal blame, vowing to push reforms despite political turmoil.
Merz described Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania results as a 'disaster' after CDU failed to meet 5% threshold, marking first time the party has been ousted from a state parliament. In Berlin, CDU fell to second place behind far-left Linke, with AfD and Left Party gaining ground in both states.
The CDU's losses signal growing unrest within the party as Merz's coalition with SPD faces scrutiny. With AfD and Left Party now leading in key states, Merz insists the governing coalition must remain intact for Germany's 'democratic future' despite mounting pressure.
Merz dismissed speculation over his leadership, attributing election results to broader political transformation. The CDU's struggles highlight challenges for Merz's government as far-right and far-left forces gain traction in critical elections.