Germany’s embattled Chancellor Friedrich Merz convened an urgent meeting with senior leaders of his conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) on Monday, seeking to reinforce support for his struggling government following a string of devastating electoral defeats.
Merz, 70, has pledged to push forward with an unpopular reform agenda despite growing political instability. His government faces mounting pressure after losses in recent state elections, including a historic setback in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where the CDU failed to clear the 5% threshold required for parliamentary representation.
The Chancellor described the election outcomes as a “disaster,” particularly the CDU’s collapse in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where voter support plummeted as the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) surged to 38%. The AfD’s rising influence, coupled with gains from the far-left and center-left, has further weakened Merz’s hold on power.
Leif-Erik Holm, the AfD’s leading candidate in Mecklenegger-Vorpommern, declared that Merz may not survive the year, stating, “The twilight of the chancellor’s era has begun.”
In Berlin, the CDU slipped to second place behind the far-left Linke party, which is poised to form the next government and potentially install its Turkish-born lead candidate, Elif Eralp, as the city’s mayor. Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Merz’s coalition partner, is set to lead a three-party coalition in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern under Manuela Schwesig, who campaigned heavily on opposing the AfD and distancing herself from Berlin’s reform policies.
Despite recent setbacks, the CDU’s regional leaders in eight states rallied behind Merz last week, although concerns linger about the durability of that support. With few viable alternatives ready to assume leadership, many view the chancellorship as increasingly untenable.
Karin Prien, the CDU’s deputy leader and education minister, acknowledged criticism that the government had not adequately addressed public concerns. She emphasized the necessity of continuing reforms, noting, “Without support and steadfastness, we won’t be able to implement the changes needed—changes that are by no means guaranteed. But not everything can stay the same.”
She added, “The Chancellor knows he must adapt, especially in how he connects with the people. Unity and broadening our appeal will be essential.”
Critics argue that the government’s reform agenda—including pension restructuring, bureaucratic streamlining, and targeted income tax cuts—has fueled public discontent. SPD leaders have called for adjustments to the coalition’s approach while reaffirming their commitment to the partnership.
Deputy Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil warned, “Ignoring what voters have told us in three state elections won’t work.” Labor Minister Bärbel Bas urged caution, saying, “Nothing would be more dangerous than watching this coalition crumble over a minor issue.”
The Kremlin escalated the political tension by commenting on the election results, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attributing the AfD’s success to voter frustration over energy costs tied to Germany’s refusal to purchase inexpensive Russian gas. Peskov claimed, “It is natural for some to seek alternatives amid economic hardship.”
