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CDU falls to 5% in German state
State-election setbacks for the CDU have increased pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz as the AfD and Left won ground.
What happened
Germany held state elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. ARD projections and partial counts put the CDU at 5% in the northeastern state, its lowest postwar state result, while the Left led Berlin. The AfD was strongest in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, narrowly ahead of the SPD, increasing pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Numbers
- 5%CDU result in northeastern state — Lowest postwar state result
- 19.1%CDU projection in Berlin — Second place
- 25.3%Left party projection in Berlin — First place
- 44%AfD result in Saxony-Anhalt — Earlier state election
Questions
- Does this vote remove Merz?
- No. His governing alliance backed him remaining in office, though the state losses leave him with a harder path for reforms.
- Why do regional votes matter nationally?
- The AfD views regional gains as a step toward a future federal election, while CDU losses test Merz’s authority.
- What preceded these elections?
- Two weeks earlier, AfD defeated the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt, intensifying debate about Merz’s leadership within his party.
- Why is Merz continuing reforms?
- He argues Germany’s economic and political problems make difficult reforms more urgent, rather than a reason for the government to retreat.
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The catch
The figures are projections and partial counts; the coverage gives no final certified results or federal leadership decision.
Counting and coalition talks continue.