Merz called his party's performance in the German elections a disaster
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the Christian Democratic Union’s result in the state parliamentary elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania a “disaster.” He acknowledged the party’s heavy defeat but stated that the government would continue with its planned reforms.
The CDU received 4.9% of the vote in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. This was the party’s worst result in a state election since 1949. The party also failed to clear the 5% threshold required for representation in the state parliament.
Merz emphasized that he does not intend to downplay the scale of his party’s defeat. “This is a disaster,” Merz admitted. According to the chancellor, the CDU “fought fiercely but suffered a crushing defeat.” He also acknowledged that the party had campaigned under difficult conditions and did not receive sufficient support from the federal level.
At the same time, Merz offered a more positive assessment of the Christian Democratic Union’s performance in the Berlin election. According to preliminary results, the CDU received 19.1% of the vote there and came in second behind “The Left.”
Despite the election results, the chancellor made it clear that he does not plan to abandon the federal government’s course. According to him, Germany needs change, even if the planned reforms will be difficult and do not receive the approval of part of society.
“Reforms must take place. Of course, this puts us all in a difficult position. But we will shoulder this responsibility. I will shoulder this responsibility because I want to move our country forward. What needs to be done now requires firmness, resolve, and patience. I will demonstrate these qualities as chairman of the CDU and, above all, as chancellor of our country,” Merz concluded.
In the state election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, “Alternative for Germany” came in first with 38.3% of the vote. The Social Democratic Party of Germany received 35.4%. For the AfD, this marked its second victory in state elections within a month.
The election results differed from the polls published on the eve of the election. In particular, one forecast predicted 37% for the party of State Premier Manuela Schwesig and 36% for the AfD, according to Spiegel.
As a reminder, nearly half of Germans expect Merz to resign by the end of the year.
Earlier, Merz stated that Russia is building submarines to destroy cables.
Prior to that, Friedrich Merz had assured unwavering support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, in Germany, the leader of the Greens called on Merz’s government to get its act together.
