German Chancellor Merz vows to stay in office and push reforms after crushing regional loss

Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the media on Sunday, labeling the CDU’s recent regional election results as a disaster yet confirming he will not step down. He reiterated his commitment to a comprehensive reform program covering economic, tax and social policy, describing it as an antidote to the spread of authoritarian sentiment. The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) surged to roughly 38% of the vote, securing first place, while the CDU suffered a historic loss in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, missing entry into the state parliament entirely.

In Berlin’s parliamentary election, the CDU also lagged behind the opposition coalition headed by Die Linke, intensifying internal and external criticism of Merz’s leadership. Despite the setbacks, Merz pledged to steer the reform agenda forward and maintain his position as chancellor.