Tuesday, September 22, 2026 - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has acknowledged a major setback for his Christian Democratic Union (CDU), calling the party’s performance in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania a “disaster” after the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) emerged as the leading party in the September 20 state election.
The CDU received just 4.9% of the vote, falling below the 5% threshold required to enter the state parliament—the party’s worst result there since the postwar era.
The result adds fresh pressure on Merz as his government faces voter dissatisfaction over the economy, pensions and other proposed reforms. The AfD secured about 38% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, while in Berlin the CDU also finished behind the Left Party, which won 25.7% of the vote.
The AfD recorded its strongest-ever result in Berlin with about 16%, underscoring the changing political landscape across two major German states.
Despite the losses, Merz has rejected calls to step aside and says his government will continue with its economic and pension reform agenda. The elections have nevertheless intensified tensions within his governing coalition and increased scrutiny of the CDU’s strategy as the AfD expands its electoral support.
For Merz, the immediate challenge is now to respond to voter concerns while keeping his coalition together and restoring confidence in his party’s political direction.
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