- AfD came out on top with 38% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, marking its third victory in a German state election, while the CDU crashed to 4.9% and failed to enter parliament for the first time in postwar history.
- Chancellor Merz made a televised speech just after polls closed, acknowledging the humiliating result for the CDU, which had been predicted by polls.
- CDU leadership gathered at party headquarters to watch exit polls, facing a historic defeat as they are likely to end up in opposition in Berlin.
- AfD co-leader stated, 'The blue wave cannot be stopped,' reflecting the party's momentum following the election results.
- The CDU had previously scored 17% in the last state election, while the AfD garnered nearly 44%, setting the stage for the current humiliating results.
- Friedrich Merz described the election outcome as a disaster, indicating the growing unrest within the CDU following the results.
The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) achieved a significant victory in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state election, garnering 38% of the vote, while the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) faced a historic defeat, receiving only 4.9% and failing to enter parliament for the first time.12
Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader, described the outcome as a "disaster" and acknowledged the party's worst-ever result in a state election. "This election is a profound turning point. It is a dramatic and unprecedented result for the CDU in Germany that we could not clear the 5% threshold," he stated, emphasizing the long-lasting impact of this loss.9
The CDU's failure to secure the necessary votes marks a significant shift in the political landscape, with the AfD now seen as the dominant force in the region. In Berlin, the CDU is also expected to lose its position in city hall following a defeat to the leftwing Linke party.
The results reflect a broader trend of increasing support for far-right parties across Germany, with the AfD's influence growing significantly. In the northeastern coastal state, the party more than doubled its result, to 38%.
Merz's leadership is now under scrutiny as he faces growing unrest within his party. "Friedrich Merz is fighting for his political survival," said Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg bank, highlighting the challenges ahead for the CDU leader.
The election results signal a dramatic shift in the party-political system in Germany, with the AfD's co-leader declaring, "The blue wave cannot be stopped."
“In Berlin, the Left Party doubled its result to 26% under Elif Eralp, while the AfD grew from 9% to 16%. Merz's approval ratings are dire, and Berenberg's chief economist says he is 'fighting for his political survival.'”
The Guardian
dw.com
