Merz vows to remain chancellor after projected CDU losses in German states
Exit polls put the AfD ahead in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Die Linke ahead of the CDU in Berlin, intensifying pressure on Friedrich Merz.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to remain in office after exit polls indicated damaging losses for his centre-right Christian Democratic Union in state elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the AfD was projected to win the most votes, while the CDU was expected to only just enter parliament. Merz described the projected result as “a disaster”.
In Berlin, the CDU was projected to receive 20% of the vote, behind Die Linke on nearly 26%, according to public broadcaster ZDF. The figures are exit-poll projections, with final results expected in the coming hours.
The projected results follow a major CDU setback in Saxony-Anhalt two weeks earlier, when the AfD made significant gains. Merz has faced poor approval ratings and renewed speculation that he could be replaced before the end of his term.
Eight German state premiers backed Merz earlier this week. However, the latest projections have again raised questions about his authority and the CDU’s electoral position.
The AfD’s projected lead in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern does not mean it will govern. Other parties have ruled out working with the party, making the formation of a government uncertain.
