German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced his intention to remain in office following disappointing results for his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party in recent state elections. Exit polls indicate that the CDU faced significant setbacks, including failing to meet the 5% threshold required to remain in the parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party appeared poised to secure the highest vote share, though it remains unlikely to form a government due to the refusal of other parties to enter into coalitions with them. Meanwhile, in Berlin, projections suggest the CDU is trailing behind Die Linke. These results follow a recent decline in support for the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt, where the AfD also achieved a notable victory.
Addressing the media at the CDU headquarters in Berlin, Merz characterized the election outcomes as a "disaster" for his party. Despite facing low approval ratings and internal speculation regarding his future, Merz emphasized his commitment to his legislative agenda. "The reforms have to come," he stated, adding that he intends to pursue planned economic, tax, and welfare changes. He described these measures as an "antidote to the authoritarian poison" affecting society.
While some within the CDU have suggested that Merz should be replaced, he has received support from several state leaders who argue that he requires more time to address inherited national challenges. Burkard Dregger, a CDU representative in Berlin, noted that it is unrealistic to expect all issues to be resolved within a single year and argued that the Chancellor should be allowed to complete his term. Merz, who has held the chancellorship for 16 months, maintained that his focus remains on moving the country forward through "backbone, steadfastness and patience."
Source: BBC News
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