PoliticsGermany: Chancellor Merz fights for his political survival

Chancellor and CDU leader Friedrich Merz is facing growing doubts after the party’s crushing defeat in Saxony-Anhalt. Support for the federal government has hit a record low, while the CDU is polling at just 7% ahead of elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Critics point to Merz’s abrasive communication, lack of empathy and unclear explanations of reforms, but no viable successor has emerged.

German politicsFriedrich MerzCDUstate elections

DDW★★★☆☆2026-09-16 10:49Original