ENDED

September 20, 2026

German Chancellor Merz live: vows to remain in office after CDU’s poor state election results

World Live coverage ended 4 updates Concluded 07:08
Wooden Scrabble tiles spelling 'Bundestag' on a rustic table, symbolizing German politics.
Photo: Markus Winkler / pexels

What we know

Last verified 01:01
  • Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the CDU's recent state election results as a 'disaster' but pledged to remain in office and continue his reform agenda.
  • The CDU barely surpassed the 5% threshold in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, marking its worst performance in the region.
  • The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won the election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
  • Preliminary results indicate the left-wing Die Linke is positioned for success in Berlin.

Live updates

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German Chancellor Merz Calls State Election Result a 'Disaster'

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described his party's performance in recent state elections as a "disaster," following significant gains by the far-right AfD in the northeast and the Left party in Berlin. Despite the setback, Merz has committed to continuing with his reform agenda. Multiple sources confirm the election marks a historic defeat for Merz's party, intensifying political challenges ahead.

Source BBC The New York Times The Guardian Financial Times BBC BBC

German Chancellor Merz Labels State Election Result a 'Disaster'

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the recent state election results as a "disaster" for his party amid a significant surge by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the northeast. Despite the setback, Merz has committed to remaining in his leadership role. Multiple sources confirm the AfD's strong performance, marking a notable shift in the regional political landscape.

Source The New York Times The Guardian Financial Times BBC BBC BBC

Germany's Merz Pledges to Remain Despite Election Setback

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has committed to staying in office following his center-right party's poor performance in recent state elections in eastern Germany. The party trailed both far-right and far-left competitors, intensifying scrutiny of Merz's leadership. Despite the electoral challenges, Merz reaffirmed his intention to continue leading amid mounting political pressure.

Source The Guardian Financial Times BBC BBC BBC The New York Times
SN Analysis

Merz Pledges to Stay After CDU’s Poor State Election Results

Friedrich Merz has committed to remain in office and pursue economic reforms following significant setbacks for his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in recent state elections. The CDU barely surpassed the 5% threshold in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, marking its worst performance in the region, which Merz described as a "disaster."

Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured a victory in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and the left-wing Die Linke is poised for success in Berlin, according to preliminary results confirmed by multiple sources.

Source Financial Times BBC BBC BBC The Guardian

What we’ll be tracking

Merz's Leadership and Reform Efforts Near term

Why it matters

Political Shift

The far-right AfD's significant gains and the Left party's success signal a major realignment in regional German politics, challenging the traditional dominance of Merz's CDU.

Leadership Stability

Despite the historic defeat and mounting political pressure, Chancellor Merz has pledged to remain in office and continue his reform agenda, indicating a commitment to political continuity amid crisis.

Electoral Impact

The CDU's worst-ever performance in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and barely surpassing the electoral threshold highlight deep voter dissatisfaction and a potential weakening of the party's regional influence.