https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/german-states-go-to-the-polls-in-high-stakes-test-for-friedrich-merzContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/german-states-go-to-the-polls-in-high-stakes-test-for-friedrich-merzhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/german-states-go-to-the-polls-in-high-stakes-test-for-friedrich-merz#u79210Mon, 21 Sep 2026 21:55:59 +0000German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is struggling to maintain his position and policy agenda after his party suffered defeats in two state elections. The far-right AfD secured its second first-place finish of the year, marking the party's closest approach to regional power since World War II. In a first for the party in 80 years, voters ejected Merz's party from a state legislature. Exit polls and results indicate a disaster for the governing party and a significant expansion of far-right influence in regional governance.Why it mattersThese elections serve as a high-stakes test for Merz