https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/latest-german-election-humiliation-puts-merz-on-borrowed-time-as-cdu-unrest-growsContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/latest-german-election-humiliation-puts-merz-on-borrowed-time-as-cdu-unrest-growshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/latest-german-election-humiliation-puts-merz-on-borrowed-time-as-cdu-unrest-grows#u82019Thu, 24 Sep 2026 00:40:22 +0000German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is fighting for political survival following a regional election defeat described as a "disaster." Exit polls show the far-right AfD leading in a north-east state, while the Left Party also secured wins. The losses have sparked unrest within the ruling CDU and threatened pro-growth reforms. Merz's instability now casts doubt on a 2 trillion euro EU budget deal and challenges Germany's traditional emphasis on political stability. Despite the setbacks, the Chancellor is attempting to rescue his reform agenda and maintain his position.Why it ma