Full Breakdown
Merz Vows to Stay as Chancellor Amid Historic Christian Democratic Unionist (CDU) Defeats in Two State Elections
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
- On September 20, 2026, the CDU fell below the 5 % threshold in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with 4.9 % of the vote, while the AfD won the state with 38 % (Bloomberg).
- In Berlin, the CDU slipped to second place behind Die Linke, which led with roughly 25 %; the CDU secured about 18.8 % (ARD).
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the outcomes a “disaster,” pledged to remain in office, and said he would continue his reform agenda.
Background & Context
- Merz has led the coalition government with the SPD since May 2025, pursuing pension, healthcare, tax-relief and defence reforms.
- The defeats follow an AfD victory in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6, intensifying pressure on his leadership.
Data & Statistics
- Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: CDU 4.9 %; AfD 38 %; SPD 35.5 %.
- Berlin: CDU 18.8 %; Die Linke 25.7 %; AfD ? 14 %.
- Merz’s personal approval rating hovers just above 10 %.
- Five state elections are scheduled for next year, three in April.
Official Statements & Responses
- Friedrich Merz: Described the results as “a disaster,” but said Germany needs “backbone, steadfastness and patience” to carry out reforms and protect its “democratic future.” He cancelled a planned UN General Assembly trip to focus on domestic fallout.
- Lars Klingbeil (SPD co-leader, Vice-Chancellor): Said the government must “take stock” and adapt reforms, warning that “things can’t go on” as they have.
- Bärbel Bas (Labour Minister, SPD): Called for a “reality check” on pension reforms while remaining optimistic about solutions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Preliminary figures show the CDU at 4.9 % in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania; other outlets claimed the party “just about crept over” the threshold. The final certified result is pending.
- AfD’s Berlin share is reported as a “double-digit” result and as 13-15 % in different accounts, indicating uncertainty.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are determined to live up to the historic responsibilities our country is facing,” — Friedrich Merz
- “We can’t sugarcoat it, it was a disaster,” — Friedrich Merz
- “He’s dragging the CDU down with him,” — Alice Weidel
What’s Next
- The CDU will meet senior party officials on Monday and lawmakers on Tuesday to assess the fallout.
- Five additional state elections next year, including three in April, will test whether the coalition can regain voter confidence.
- Potential successors mentioned in party circles include North-Rhine-Westphalia premier Hendrik Wüst and Bavarian CSU leader Markus Söder, though no formal challenges have emerged.