Merz vows to keep coalition after CDU’s heavy state defeats

Merz pledges to preserve the coalition despite CDU’s severe state losses, outlining strategy to stabilize party unity and government continuity.

Merz vows to keep coalition after CDU’s heavy state defeats
Liberal News
Publish: 21.09.2026
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he will keep the CDU–SPD coalition intact for the sake of Germany’s democratic future after his party suffered substantial losses in two state elections on Sunday, with the far‑right AfD topping the vote in Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern and Die Linke leading in Berlin.

Merz described the Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern outcome as a “heavy blow” and acknowledged it as an unprecedented result for the CDU, while denying that discussions about his own position had taken place following the defeats.

In Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern the CDU failed to pass the 5% threshold to enter the state parliament, handing the AfD the largest share of votes, and in Berlin the CDU finished second to Die Linke as the AfD also increased its support.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The state elections reflect a shift in voter support reported in the source text: the AfD won the most votes in Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern, the CDU did not reach the 5% threshold there, Die Linke led in Berlin, Merz called the Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern result “a disaster” and said the outcomes go beyond his individual role.

Domestic intelligence classifies some AfD branches as right‑wing extremist, a designation the party rejects, and reports note the AfD’s anti‑immigration and Russian‑friendly positions have resonated in parts of the former East.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

  • Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to maintain the CDU–SPD governing coalition after poor state election results.
  • AfD won the most votes in Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern while the CDU fell below the 5% parliamentary threshold there.
  • Die Linke led in Berlin and the AfD made notable gains in both states.
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