Future of German chancellor hangs in the balance as two states go to polls
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces a critical political test as two states head to the polls amid rising support for the far-right AfD party. The results could determine the stability of Merz's leadership and the future of his government's policy agenda.
Why it matters
The potential for a shift in German political power dynamics has significant implications for European stability and the influence of populist movements.
Friedrich Merz speaks on Thursday during the final CDU election rally prior to elections in Berlin. Friedrich Merz speaks on Thursday during the final CDU election rally prior to elections in Berlin. Germany Future of German chancellor hangs in the balance as two states go to polls Embattled Friedrich Merz faces nervous wait while far-right Alternative für Deutschland party targets further gains
Prefer the Guardian on Google Voters in two German states are going to the polls with the political future of the embattled chancellor, Friedrich Merz , hanging in the balance and an emboldened far right targeting further gains.
Coming two weeks after a seismic election in Saxony-Anhalt in which the anti-immigration, pro-Kremlin Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) scored its highest ever result in a regional poll, the nativist party is expected to drain support again from Merz’s conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
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