German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Faces “Disaster” as AfD and Die Linke Win State Elections

On 20 September 2026 voters in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (MeckPomm) and Berlin cast ballots that produced a historic defeat for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Exit polls released by ARD showed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) winning roughly 38 % in MeckPomm, while the CDU fell to 4.9 %–5.5 %, near the 5 % threshold for representation. In Berlin Die Linke secured about 25 % of the vote, overtaking the CDU, which posted around 19 %–20 %, and the AfD at roughly 16 %.

CNN

The elections followed an AfD victory in Saxony-Anhalt on 6 September, where the party captured 44 % of the vote. Those results intensified scrutiny of Merz’s reform agenda—tax cuts, pension changes and deregulation—introduced after he became chancellor in May 2025. Economic challenges such as an ageing population and sluggish growth have eroded confidence in the centre-right coalition with the SPD.

Kyiv Independent

• MeckPomm: AfD ? 38 %, SPD ? 35 %, CDU ? 4.9 %–5.5 %.

CNN

• Berlin: Die Linke ? 25 %, CDU ? 19 %–20 %, AfD ? 16 %, SPD ? 12 %.

Time Magazine

• Previous performance: CDU support in MeckPomm dropped from 13.3 % in 2021 to under 5 %; in Berlin the party fell from 18.8 % in 2023 to roughly 20 %.

Time Magazine

• National polls: AfD leads with about 30 % support, while Merz’s personal approval hovers near 10 % (ARD).

The Straits Times

Chancellor Merz called the MeckPomm result a “disaster” and pledged to continue his reform programme, arguing that “backbone, steadfastness and patience” are required to revive the economy. SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil warned that the government must analyse the “great uncertainty” affecting the country.

The Straits Times

Sources differ on the exact CDU share in MeckPomm: Reuters cites 5.5 %, while ARD exit polls reported 4.9 %. Berlin’s CDU percentage is given as 19 % by some outlets and 20 % by others. Final counts are still pending, leaving open whether the CDU will clear the 5 % barrier in MeckPomm. No party has indicated willingness to form a coalition with the AfD, creating uncertainty about government formation in both states.

Chancellor Merz Calls Germany State Elections Results A ‘Disaster,’ As Far-Right Surges Again

• “What needs to be done now requires backbone, steadfastness, and patience,” — Chancellor Friedrich Merz

PBS News Hour

• “Germany is entering a period of political instability where viable coalitions are harder and harder to build, and that doesn't bode well for Europe when Germany is the de facto leader,” — Sudha David-Wilp

UsNews and World Report

• “Friedrich Merz is the wrong chancellor for the CDU,” — Alice Weidel

NPR

The CDU must decide whether to accept a parliamentary presence in MeckPomm or face its first post-war exclusion from a state legislature. In Berlin Die Linke will need to negotiate a coalition with the SPD and the Greens to secure the mayoralty. Merz has cancelled a planned United Nations General Assembly appearance and is expected to meet with CDU state premiers to chart a response. The next federal election, scheduled for 2029, will test whether the AfD can translate regional gains into national power.

Far-Right, Far-Left Wins Push Merz Into Deepest Crisis