Chancellor Merz vows to continue reforms after historic election defeat

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced a historic electoral setback in two state elections, with his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) recording its lowest-ever result in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) gaining unprecedented traction. Despite the losses, Merz reaffirmed his commitment to economic reforms, vowing to “press ahead with backbone, steadfastness, and patience” in a televised address.

CDU’s historic collapse in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

Exit polls from public broadcaster ARD showed the CDU securing just 5% of the vote in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a largely rural state in Germany’s eastern region. This marked the party’s worst result since World War II, according to multiple reports. The AfD, an anti-migration and Russia-friendly party, emerged as the leading force in the state with 37% of the vote, followed by the center-left Social Democrats at 35.5%. The CDU narrowly crossed the 5% threshold required to enter the state parliament, but the outcome was described as a “disaster” by Merz himself.

In Berlin, the CDU was projected to secure 20% of the vote, trailing the far-left Linke party, which received 24.5%. The AfD also gained ground in the capital, capturing 16% of the vote. The results underscored a broader trend of declining support for mainstream parties and rising influence for far-right and far-left movements across Germany.

Merz’s defiant stance amid internal pressure

Merz acknowledged the election results as a “disaster” but rejected calls to abandon his reform agenda. In a statement, he emphasized the urgency of economic and political reforms, stating, “What needs to be done now requires backbone, steadfastness, and patience.” His remarks echoed a broader narrative that Germany’s stagnating economy and political instability demand difficult, unpopular measures rather than retreat.

The chancellor’s authority has been eroded by a series of setbacks, including the CDU’s defeat to the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6. That result, which saw the AfD come close to forming the country’s first far-right regional government since World War II, had already sparked internal party debates about his leadership. Despite calls from within his own ranks to replace him, Merz has refused to step down, vowing to “finish his term as chancellor.”

The electoral losses have also prompted speculation about the chancellor’s future. Merz canceled a planned trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, citing the need to focus on domestic challenges. However, his decision to remain in office has drawn criticism from both opposition parties and some CDU members, who argue that his continued leadership risks further eroding public trust.

AfD’s rise and implications for German politics

The AfD’s strong performance in both Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin has reignited concerns about the party’s growing influence. The party, which has been labeled as anti-migration and pro-Russia, has positioned itself as an alternative to mainstream politics, appealing to voters disillusioned with traditional parties. Its success in the eastern states — regions with a history of communist governance and lingering economic challenges — has been particularly striking.

Analysts note that the AfD’s gains reflect broader societal tensions, including anxiety over immigration, economic inequality, and the legacy of Germany’s Nazi past. The party’s ability to challenge the political status quo has forced mainstream parties to reevaluate their strategies, though many remain reluctant to engage with the AfD directly. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the AfD’s dominance has raised questions about the feasibility of forming a coalition government, as other parties have ruled out working with the far-right group.

The results also highlight the deepening polarization within German society. Merz’s government has struggled to address public concerns about economic stagnation and social cohesion, and the CDU’s inability to counter the AfD’s appeal has further weakened its position. The chancellor’s decision to press ahead with reforms, despite the electoral backlash, suggests a determination to maintain his policy agenda, even at the cost of political capital.

The coming weeks will test Merz’s ability to navigate the political fallout from the elections. With the AfD’s influence growing and public confidence in his leadership waning, the chancellor faces a critical juncture. His next steps, whether to double down on reforms or seek compromises, will shape the trajectory of German politics in the months ahead.