The AfD secured a state election victory in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU party recorded its worst-ever state election result.
Key facts
- •The AfD leads in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with 37% of the vote, followed by the SPD at 35.5%.
- •The CDU's 5.5% result in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is the party's lowest in any state election since 1945.
- •In Berlin, the Linke party finished first with 24.5%, while the CDU received 20%.
- •A Forsa institute poll indicated that only 10% of Germans approve of Chancellor Merz's performance.
- •Berlin voters aged 16-24 supported the Linke party at a rate of 43%.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has claimed a state election victory in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, leading with approximately 37% of the vote. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party finished with 5.5%, marking its worst-ever result in a state election. While Merz described the outcome as a disaster, he stated he would remain in his position as chancellor and CDU chairman.
By the numbers
Political Fallout and Calls for Change
AfD co-chair Alice Weidel has called on Chancellor Merz to abandon the political "firewall" that prevents other parties from cooperating with the AfD. Weidel attributed the CDU's poor performance to its refusal to work with her party. Meanwhile, Frank Werneke, chairman of the Verdi trade union, has urged the federal government to change course on its planned reforms following the election results in both Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin.
Berlin Election Results
In concurrent elections held in Berlin, the far-left Linke party secured 24.5% of the vote, marking the first time the party has topped the polls in the capital. The CDU received 20% in Berlin, while the AfD reached 16%. Voting data indicated that younger voters in Berlin, particularly those aged 16 to 24, showed strong support for progressive parties, with 43% of that age group voting for the Linke party.
Factors Influencing Voter Sentiment
Manuela Schwesig, the SPD state premier in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, noted that many voters in her state have expressed opposition to Germany's financial and military support for Ukraine. She also highlighted a desire among some constituents to see energy flow through the Nord Stream pipeline again. Additionally, Vice Chancellor and SPD leader Lars Klingbeil signaled a need for a change in government policy, citing voter concerns regarding pension reforms.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by TASS (English), RTE News, Deutsche Welle Politics.
