Sachsen-Anhalt: Nach dem Wahl-Debakel: Was wird aus Merz?

After the electoral scandal in Saxony-Anhalt, the Federal CDU is advising Chancellor Friedrich Merz on potential consequences, with leading candidate Sven Schulze seeing his support plummet from 37.1 to 17.2 percent. The decline in Schulze's popularity parallels Chancellor Merz's own, prompting speculation that both could face the consequences of the party's recent defeat.

Merz's authority has been compromised since his controversial personnel reshuffle before the summer break. Speculation exists that the upcoming two-week local elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern might be enough to topple him. CDU Chancellor's office Minister Nina Warken cautioned against discussing his replacement, stating that it would be wrong to focus on personnel issues now.

The chancellor will first consult with the state premiers, Merz having held a lengthy private meeting with them after the election to discuss the results. The party presidency convened with a 50-minute delay, and Schulze acknowledged his loss on election night. The mood in the CDU was described as "like a collapsed party without alcohol" by CDA worker's faction leader Dennis Radtke. The lack of flowers for Schulze upon his return suggests the severity of the situation.