German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to remain in office after his Christian Democratic Union suffered a major setback in two state elections.
Merz described the CDU’s performance in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as a “disaster” but said he would continue leading the government and implementing its planned reforms.
The elections were held in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin on Sunday.
CDU Suffers Historic Setback
In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) was projected to finish first with 37% of the vote.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) was projected at 35.5%, while Merz’s CDU recorded only 5.5%, according to an ARD exit poll reported by Reuters.
The result represented the CDU’s weakest performance in a German state election since 1949. The party’s result was also close to the 5% threshold required to secure representation in the state parliament.
Die Linke Leads in Berlin
The CDU also trailed in Berlin.
Exit polls placed Die Linke in first position with about 24.5%, followed by the CDU at 20%.
The AfD was projected to receive about 16% of the vote in the German capital.
The result marked a strong showing for Die Linke in Berlin, although forming a government would require coalition arrangements with other parties.
Merz Rejects Calls to Step Down
Despite the setbacks, Merz said he would continue as chancellor.
Speaking at the CDU headquarters in Berlin, he said the government must proceed with its economic, tax and welfare reforms.
Merz said the situation required patience and determination.
He also argued that his reform programme was necessary to address challenges facing Germany.
Pressure Mounts on Chancellor
The election results come after another major setback for the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt earlier this month.
The AfD won that election, increasing pressure on Merz and his governing coalition.
The latest results are likely to intensify discussions within German politics about the CDU’s performance and the government’s reform programme.
However, Merz has publicly rejected suggestions that he should leave office and has pledged to continue his work as chancellor.
