Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Merz Rejects Resignation Calls After CDU’s Historic Election Defeats
Germany held state elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU performed badly in both elections.
In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the CDU received only 4.9% and lost its seats in the state parliament.
The AfD came first there, with the SPD close behind.
In Berlin, Die Linke won the most seats and the CDU came second.
Merz called the result a disaster but said he would not resign.
He plans to continue reforms involving pensions, taxes and bureaucracy.
SPD politicians want the government to listen more closely to voters’ economic concerns.
The elections also increased debate about whether established parties can continue refusing to cooperate with the AfD.
The CDU won 4.9% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, falling below the 5% threshold and losing its state-parliament seats.
The AfD finished first in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with about 38.2%, ahead of the SPD’s 35.5%.
Die Linke led Berlin with 25.7%, followed by the CDU at 18.8%, while the AfD reached 16.3%.
Merz called the CDU’s Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania result a disaster but rejected resignation calls and vowed to remain chancellor.
The results intensified coalition disputes over pension, tax and bureaucracy reforms and renewed debate about the firewall excluding the AfD from government.
- Who
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the CDU, the AfD, the SPD and Die Linke were central to the results.
- What
- The CDU suffered major defeats, including falling below the 5% threshold in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and finishing second in Berlin.
- When
- The elections were held on Sunday, with their political consequences discussed on Monday.
- Where
- Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany.
- Why
- Voters were influenced by economic malaise, high energy and housing costs, dissatisfaction with established parties and disagreement over government reforms.
Merz and Reform Supporters
Coalition Critics and Opposition Parties
Economic reforms
Merz and Reform Supporters
Merz says pension, tax and bureaucracy reforms are necessary to revive sluggish growth and keep Germany competitive.
Coalition Critics and Opposition Parties
SPD critics say reforms must better address voters’ concerns and have questioned aspects of the pension changes and their pace.
AfD firewall
Merz and Reform Supporters
Germany’s established parties have refused to cooperate with the AfD because of concerns about its hardline positions and extremist elements.
Coalition Critics and Opposition Parties
Some CDU figures argue that the firewall has not benefited the party and should be reconsidered as the AfD gains electoral support.
Merz’s leadership
Merz and Reform Supporters
Merz says he will remain in office, preserve the coalition and continue his reform program.
Coalition Critics and Opposition Parties
His low approval ratings, communication problems, coalition disputes and election defeats have increased speculation about his authority and future.
- Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- The CDU received 4.9%, while the AfD won about 38.2% and the SPD 35.5%.
- CDU setback
- The CDU fell below the 5% threshold and lost its seats in the state parliament, its worst result there in the postwar period.
- Berlin result
- Die Linke won 25.7%, the CDU 18.8%, the AfD 16.3%, the Greens 14.3% and the SPD 12.1%.
- Merz’s response
- Merz called the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania result a disaster and rejected calls for his resignation.
- Coalition tensions
- SPD figures called for changes to the pace and direction of Merz’s reform agenda.
- Reform agenda
- The government’s plans include pension changes, reduced bureaucracy and income-tax cuts for low- and middle-income families.
- Future elections
- Five state elections are scheduled for the following year, including one in North Rhine-Westphalia.
