Archive · 20 Sep 2026
German State Elections Put Merz Under Pressure as AfD Rises
People in two German states voted for their regional governments.
The vote happened soon after the AfD performed very strongly in Saxony-Anhalt.
The AfD is a right-wing party that wants tougher immigration rules and other major policy changes.
Polls suggested it would not win outright in either Berlin or Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
However, it has gained enough support to worry Germany’s larger parties.
This has created more pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his CDU.
Merz is also unpopular because many people are unhappy about the economy, energy prices, housing costs, and government reforms.
The CDU and other major parties still refuse to form governing coalitions with the AfD.
The election results could show how much support the AfD has gained, but the articles do not provide final results.
Voters in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania went to the polls amid scrutiny of Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The elections followed the Alternative for Germany’s near-majority performance in Saxony-Anhalt earlier this month.
Polls showed the Social Democratic Party narrowly ahead of the AfD in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, while the CDU stood at 6%.
In Berlin, the Left Party led the CDU, while the AfD ranked third with 18% support.
Merz’s low approval ratings, economic frustrations, and the AfD’s gains have renewed debate over Germany’s coalition firewall.
- Who
- German voters, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the CDU, the AfD, the SPD, the Left Party, and the Greens are central to the elections.
- What
- Regional elections were held in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania amid rising AfD support and pressure on Merz.
- When
- The elections took place on Sunday, after the September 6 election in Saxony-Anhalt.
- Where
- Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany; the earlier election was in Saxony-Anhalt.
- Why
- The elections were closely watched because of the AfD’s gains, Merz’s low approval ratings, and concerns about energy, housing, and economic conditions.
Merz Supporters and Mainstream Parties
AfD and Critics of the Government
Merz’s leadership
Merz Supporters and Mainstream Parties
Senior CDU figures continue to support Merz, arguing that replacing him would be difficult and would not remove Germany’s underlying economic problems.
AfD and Critics of the Government
Low approval ratings, unpopular reforms, economic concerns, and communication missteps have fueled doubts about Merz’s ability to continue leading.
Coalition firewall
Merz Supporters and Mainstream Parties
The CDU and other major parties say they should not form governing coalitions with the AfD.
AfD and Critics of the Government
The AfD’s growing electoral support is renewing questions about whether the firewall can contain its influence.
Election momentum
Merz Supporters and Mainstream Parties
The SPD narrowed the race in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania by campaigning around popular state premier Manuela Schwesig, while polls showed it slightly ahead of the AfD.
AfD and Critics of the Government
The AfD points to its strong performance in Saxony-Anhalt and gains in Berlin as evidence of its expanding national influence.
- Merz approval
- Recent polls cited in the reports put Friedrich Merz’s approval as low as 14%.
- Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania poll
- The SPD was at 37%, the AfD at 36%, the Left Party at 9%, and the Greens at 5%.
- CDU outlook
- The CDU was polling at 6% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, near the threshold for entering the state parliament.
- Berlin poll
- The Left Party was at 22%, the CDU at 20%, the AfD at 18%, the Greens at 15%, and the SPD at 12%.
- Berlin threshold
- The BSW was polling at 4%, just below the threshold for entering parliament.
- Relief package
- Merz announced a package including tax cuts on gas and diesel.
- Coalition firewall
- Germany’s main parties have refused to form governing coalitions with the AfD.
