Germany’s AfD Scores Major Gains as Merz Admits Electoral ‘Disaster’

Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is projected to achieve significant victories in simultaneous state elections on Sunday, dealing a sharp blow to Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his Christian Democratic Union (CDU). According to exit polls from ARD public television, the AfD is set to win 37% of the vote in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, narrowly edging out the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) at 35.5%.

The results mark a dramatic collapse for Merz’s conservatives in the largely rural eastern state, which previously fell under communist rule. The CDU is projected to secure only 5.5%, a figure barely sufficient to cross the threshold required for parliamentary representation and representing the party’s worst performance in the region since World War II.

In the capital city of Berlin, the political landscape shifted similarly. The AfD gained strength, reaching 16%, while the far-left Linke party took first place with 24.5%. Merz’s CDU trailed in second place with 20%.

Despite these electoral gains, the AfD is unlikely to assume governance in either state. Other major political parties have firmly ruled out any coalition partnerships with the anti-migration, Russia-friendly party.

Chancellor Merz, 70, acknowledged the severity of the outcome, describing the results as a “disaster.” The defeats follow a shocking loss to the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt just two weeks prior, where the far-right party came within inches of an outright majority. These results challenge the long-held belief among many Germans that their nation possesses immunity to nationalism and racial superiority assertions following its historical confrontation with the Nazi era.

Merz, who assumed leadership 16 months ago with a mandate to revitalize Germany’s stagnant economy, has seen his popularity plummet. He has failed to alleviate the national mood, and pressure is mounting even within his own ranks. There have been internal calls for him to step down, although no senior allies have publicly demanded his departure, with many cautioning against personnel debates at this critical juncture.

In response to the challenging political climate, Merz has cancelled a planned trip to New York to attend the UN General Assembly next week. Despite the intense headwinds, he has maintained his determination to remain in office and complete his term as chancellor.