Merz Faces Crisis as AfD Gains in German State Elections

German voters on Sunday turned the tide against Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as the far‑right Alternative for Germany (AfD) made fresh gains in Berlin and Mecklenburg‑Western Pomerania. The results threaten Merz’s authority and could force a reshuffle of his coalition government.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 20 Sep 2026 09:46:43 GMT

On Sunday, German voters went to the polls in two state elections that could reshape the political landscape and test Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s leadership. The contests in Berlin, the capital, and Mecklenburg‑Western Pomerania, a rural eastern state, were seen as bell‑wethers for Merz’s fragile coalition and for the future of the country’s far‑right party, the Alternative for Germany (AfD).

AfD’s Momentum and the Stakes for Merz

The AfD, known for its anti‑migration stance and pro‑Russia rhetoric, had already shocked the nation when it narrowly missed an absolute majority in Saxony‑Anhalt two weeks earlier. That result was a blow to Merz, who had taken office 16 months ago with a promise to revitalize Germany’s economy and strengthen its security posture. The party’s recent surge has raised doubts about Merz’s ability to command his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and to steer the governing coalition, which includes the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

In the Berlin vote, the CDU faces a tight contest against the far‑left Die Linke, which is popular among young voters and advocates for radical housing reforms. Meanwhile, in Mecklenburg‑Western Pomerania, the CDU’s prospects are even slimmer. The party is currently polling at just six percent, dangerously close to the five‑percent threshold required to enter the state parliament. A loss would be the first time the CDU has failed to secure seats in a state legislature, adding pressure on Merz to act.

Political Reactions and Internal Pressure

Merz has called a crisis meeting of CDU leaders to review early results and has postponed a planned trip to the United Nations General Assembly. The postponement signals the urgency of the situation. Eight state premiers have urged national stability over personnel debates, but they have refrained from publicly endorsing Merz, reflecting a cautious stance within the party.

Approval ratings for Merz have dipped below 10 percent, the lowest for an incumbent German chancellor. Pollster Roland Abold of Infratest Dimap noted that only 13 percent of respondents were satisfied with Merz’s performance, a figure that underscores the growing discontent. While some commentators attribute the challenges to external factors such as the Ukraine war, rising energy costs, and China’s economic rise, the internal political fallout remains a key concern.

Implications for Germany’s Economy and Security

Merz’s administration has pledged to reboot a stagnant economy, rebuild the military to deter Russia, and reduce irregular immigration. However, the AfD’s gains threaten to derail these plans. The party’s hardline stance on immigration and its perceived alignment with Moscow could undermine efforts to maintain public confidence in Germany’s security and economic reforms.

Energy price spikes, driven by geopolitical tensions, have exacerbated the cost‑of‑living crisis. Merz’s government has already cut energy taxes to lower petrol prices, but the political instability could hamper further policy initiatives aimed at stabilizing the economy.

What Happens Next?

As results come in, Merz will likely convene another meeting of CDU leadership to decide whether to remain in office or to call for a new chancellor. The outcome of the state elections will also influence the composition of the Bundestag and the balance of power in the coalition. If the CDU falls below the five‑percent threshold in Mecklenburg‑Western Pomerania, it could lose its influence in that state’s parliament for the first time, further weakening Merz’s position.

Observers note that the political climate in Germany is becoming more volatile. The AfD’s continued rise, coupled with economic pressures and a fragile coalition, suggests that Merz may face a challenging path to complete his term. Whether he will weather the storm remains to be seen, but the state elections have undoubtedly intensified scrutiny of his leadership.

Key facts

AfD’s gains threaten Merz’s authority
CDU risks falling below 5% in Mecklenburg‑Western Pomerania
Merz postpones UN trip to focus on domestic crisis
Approval ratings for Merz below 10%
Economic reforms at risk amid instability

Why it matters

The elections test Germany’s political resilience and could reshape the coalition that governs the EU’s largest economy, affecting policies on security, immigration, and economic recovery.