https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/eight-german-state-premiers-back-merz-amid-speculation-over-futureContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/eight-german-state-premiers-back-merz-amid-speculation-over-futurehttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/eight-german-state-premiers-back-merz-amid-speculation-over-future#u73267Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:20:31 +0000Eight conservative state premiers issued a joint statement supporting Friedrich Merz as he faces internal party rebellion and speculation about his future. Merz has canceled a planned trip to the United Nations in New York to address the infighting. This support comes after an election win by the far-right AfD put Merz's leadership position at risk. While state leaders have rallied behind him, further far-right electoral gains this weekend could potentially end his tenure.Why it mattersThe AfD's recent electoral success has created instability within the conservative leadership. Merz