German voters are going to the polls in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania on Sunday in two regional elections that could deepen pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his
Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
The vote comes just two weeks after the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) scored a major victory in Saxony-Anhalt, while the CDU suffered a sharp decline. The result fuelled speculation about Merz’s political future, although he has repeatedly said he intends to remain in office.
In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the CDU is struggling to stay above the 5% threshold required to enter the state parliament. Polls put the AfD and governing Social Democrats (SPD) in a close contest for first place, with popular state premier Manuela Schwesig seeking to hold off the far right.
Berlin presents a different challenge. The CDU is competing closely with the left-wing Die Linke, while the AfD has strengthened its position. Housing affordability and soaring rents have been among the dominant issues in the capital.
Merz’s difficulties extend beyond regional elections. His approval ratings have fallen sharply amid public frustration over living costs, economic weakness and government reforms. His decision to cancel a planned trip to the UN General Assembly and remain in Berlin has underlined the political importance attached to Sunday’s results.
Senior CDU figures have publicly backed the chancellor, calling for the party to rebuild public trust through policy rather than leadership debates. However, poor results in both states could intensify internal discussion about the direction of the government.
The elections will not automatically determine Merz’s position as chancellor, but they represent another important test for his coalition as the AfD continues to expand its influence across Germany. Photo by Michael Lucan, Wikimedia commons.
