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CDU suffers worst Berlin result, AfD surges largest

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 2:31 PM UTC · How we work

Center

AfD wins state

On September 20 2026, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU received roughly 20 percent in Berlin, its worst state result ever.
Merz cancelled a planned New York trip to the United Nations General Assembly after the setbacks.
AfD won in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin, becoming the state’s largest party.
Die Linke secured about 24.5 percent in Berlin, overtaking the CDU and positioning Elif Eralp for a mayoral win.

Left

Democratic stability at risk

On September 20, 2026, the CDU earned roughly 20 % in Berlin, its worst state result ever.
Analysts warned the defeats could erode public trust and heighten risk to Germany’s democratic stability.
Merz called the result a “disaster” and vowed to remain chancellor.
He pledged to continue his economic recovery programme despite the losses.
Die Linke could lead Berlin and appoint the city’s first Turkish-born mayor.

History

Historical Context

The 24 September 2017 federal election saw the CDU/CSU drop to about 33% and the AfD win 12.6% of the vote, the first right-of-CDU Bundestag presence since 1957. After the CDU’s 42% peak in 2013 and a failed Jamaica-coalition, the system fragmented. In September 2026 Berlin, the CDU fell to roughly 20% as AfD and Die Linke surged, forcing new coalition calculations.

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AfD wins state

On September 20 2026, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU received roughly 20 percent in Berlin, its worst state result ever.
Merz cancelled a planned New York trip to the United Nations General Assembly after the setbacks.
AfD won in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin, becoming the state’s largest party.
Die Linke secured about 24.5 percent in Berlin, overtaking the CDU and positioning Elif Eralp for a mayoral win.

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