Germany’s far right secures another win in key regional election, exit poll says
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won a key regional election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, marking a significant victory for the party and a defeat for Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Merz's party was ejected from a state legislature for the first time in 80 years. Despite the loss, Merz vows to continue his reforms and maintain his leadership of the CDU. He confirmed the governing coalition will remain intact with the support of the SPD to ensure the country's democratic future.
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- ✓ The AfD won a regional election in the north-eastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
- ✓ Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party was removed from a state legislature for the first time in eight decades.
- ✓ Merz stated the governing coalition will remain to guarantee Germany's democratic future.
- ✓ The SPD decided to remain in the coalition with Merz.
What changed
Chancellor Merz publicly responded to the AfD victory in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and confirmed the SPD will stay in his coalition.
Live updates
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Far-right AfD wins regional election as Chancellor Merz faces political crisis
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won a key regional election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, marking a significant victory for the party and a defeat for Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Merz's party was ejected from a state legislature for the first time in 80 years. Despite the loss, Merz vows to continue his reforms and maintain his leadership of the CDU. He confirmed the governing coalition will remain intact with the support of the SPD to ensure the country's democratic future.
Why it matters
These elections occurred across two German states following a period of far-right gains. The results represent a historic turning point for the CDU, which suffered its worst performance since World War II.
What is confirmed
- The AfD won a regional election in the north-eastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party was removed from a state legislature for the first time in eight decades.
- Merz stated the governing coalition will remain to guarantee Germany's democratic future.
- The SPD decided to remain in the coalition with Merz.
Still unconfirmed
- The AfD victory represents the CDU's worst performance since World War II.
- Friedrich Merz is struggling to stabilize his position following the regional election defeats.
What to watch next
- Official final vote counts for the two state elections
- Statements from AfD leadership regarding potential coalition demands
- Further internal CDU reactions to Merz's decision to remain chancellor
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (9)
- Al Jazeera — Two German states go to the polls after far-right gains
- dw.com — Germany: Polls open in two key state elections
- politico.eu — Germany’s far right secures another win in key regional election, exit poll says
- cbc.ca — Germany's Merz vows to press on with reforms despite state election losses to far-right AfD
- CNN — Germany’s AfD set to win north-eastern state in dire night for governing party, polls show
- jen.jiji.com — Germany, Merz: "Government remains to guarantee democratic future, vote goes beyond my person"
- www.nbcnews.com — German Chancellor Merz fights to survive historic defeat in regional elections
- news.qq.com — 魏德尔呼吁默茨“让位”：AfD再胜，基民盟遭遇二战后最差战绩
- www.wfmz.com — Host Germany avoids early exit from women’s FIBA World Cup, France sets 3-pointer record
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