Merz at a crossroads as two German states vote amid AfD surge
TL;DR
Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern vote as Chancellor Merz faces renewed pressure from the AfD’s momentum after Saxony-Anhalt; the results could shape his future, potentially triggering a CDU leadership shake-up or even snap elections, though the AfD is not expected to win outright in either state. In MV, a below-5% result for the CDU would be a historic setback, while economic anxiety and concerns over crime fuel support for the far right.
- Future of German chancellor hangs in the balance as two states go to polls theguardian.com
- Germany's leader under huge pressure as far-right AfD gains steam, but could he be forced out? CBS News
- Germany: Is it possible to replace the chancellor? DW.com
- German chancellor Friedrich Merz faces mounting criticism ahead of September 20 regional elections Le Monde.fr
- German Elections on Baltic Coast and Berlin May Seal Merz’s Fate Bloomberg.com
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