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German Chancellor Merz pledges to stay after regional election setbacks

The Christian Democratic Union suffered historic losses in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as rival parties advanced.

Updated Sep 21, 2026 · 13:37 UTC7 reports

The short version

  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to stay in office and maintain his reform agenda despite severe regional election losses for his Christian Democratic Union (CDU).[BBC News · PBS NewsHour · France 24 · CBS News · NPR]
  • Exit projections showed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) placing first in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with around 37% to 38% of the vote, while the CDU took roughly 5%.[PBS NewsHour · France 24 · CBS News · NPR · Deutsche Welle]
  • In Berlin, Die Linke led with approximately 24.5% to 25% of the vote, leaving the CDU in second place at roughly 20%.[CBS News · NPR · Deutsche Welle]
  • Merz canceled an upcoming trip to the United Nations General Assembly amid internal discussions regarding his political future, though senior party allies have not publicly urged his resignation.[BBC News · PBS NewsHour · CBS News · NPR]

Key facts

  • Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced he plans to remain in office and proceed with planned policy reforms despite recent state election setbacks.[BBC News · France 24 · NPR]
  • The CDU obtained roughly 5% of the vote in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, marking its lowest state-level election result since World War II.[PBS NewsHour · CBS News · NPR]
  • The Alternative for Germany (AfD) was projected to secure first place in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with about 37% to 38% of the vote.[France 24 · CBS News · Deutsche Welle]
  • Die Linke took first place in Berlin with around 24.5% to 25% of the vote, with the CDU finishing second at approximately 20%.[CBS News · NPR · Deutsche Welle]
  • Merz called off a scheduled trip to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly following the election results.[PBS NewsHour · CBS News · NPR]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether internal party dissatisfaction will translate into an official challenge or replacement of Merz as chancellor remains unresolved, as no top-tier allies have publicly called for his exit.[BBC News · CBS News · NPR]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.