# Germany: Chancellor Merz fights for his political survival

https://mins.news/en/item/60786

- DW, 2026-09-16 10:49 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-chancellor-merz-is-fighting-for-his-political-survival/a-79290192?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> 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.

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