Regional elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have resulted in a sharp political shake-up in Germany. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won the largest share of the vote in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, while the socialist Left Party led the polls in Berlin. The AfD also made significant gains in both states, building on a recent victory in Saxony-Anhalt and moving closer to regional power than any far-right party since World War II.
The center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) suffered severe losses, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz describing the results as a disaster. For the first time since 1949, the CDU fell below the 5% threshold and failed to enter the state parliament in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. This historic defeat marks the party's worst-ever result in a state election in the country's post-war history, as centrist parties see their support wane.
Despite the electoral routs and collapsing popularity, Chancellor Merz has vowed to stay in office and push forward with his unpopular economic recovery programme, including a federal agenda of tax and welfare reforms. Following a televised speech and meetings with CDU leadership to shore up support, Merz urged patience and insisted that Germany will be better. He has also promised to reopen talks on reforms with his coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
The election results leave the path to government complicated. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, incumbent SPD premier Manuela Schwesig maintains a realistic path to forming a government because other parties have ruled out coalition talks with the isolated AfD. Meanwhile, in Berlin, the Left Party could potentially form a coalition with the Greens and the SPD.