German Chancellor Friedrich Merz committed on Monday to preserving his ruling coalition between the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), framing the decision as essential for the nation’s “democratic future.” This declaration came in the wake of significant election losses on Sunday, where both the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the hard-left Die Linke party achieved notable gains.
The electoral results have intensified speculation regarding Merz’s political survival. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a northeastern state, the AfD secured first place, while the CDU suffered its worst-ever result since its founding in 1945, failing to retain seats in the regional parliament. Merz characterized the outcome as a “heavy blow” and described the election as a “profound turning point” with unprecedented consequences for his party.
In the city-state of Berlin, the CDU was overtaken for second place by Die Linke, although the AfD also registered strong performance. Despite growing pressure from the AfD for him to resign after only 16 months in office, Merz insisted he would remain in his post and continue to advocate for his planned economic and social welfare reforms.
Addressing criticism that his personally low approval ratings were the primary driver of the defeats, Merz argued that the causes were broader than his individual standing. “The reasons for these election results go far beyond my own person,” he stated, adding that Germany is witnessing a deep transformation of the political party system not only domestically but across many other nations worldwide.
The SPD also affirmed its intention to stay in the coalition, though it indicated it would push for modifications to certain proposed reforms. Political analysts, including Sorbonne professor Hans Stark, have noted that Merz finds himself in a “very, very fragile situation” as he attempts to navigate these challenges.
Merz says it goes beyond his personality, but let’s be honest—he took the fall for years. Now he wants credit.
I just hope ‘coalition unity’ doesn’t mean ignoring the voters’ anger about the economy and immigration.
Berlin results are shocking. The traditional parties are losing their grip on the capital completely now.
Is the CDU really prepared to govern with these approval ratings, or is Merz just buying time?
Staying in power after such humiliating losses? That takes either tremendous courage or sheer stubbornness.