Embattled Merz seeks party backing ahead of fresh election tests in Germany

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing growing pressure as the Christian Democrats (CDU) prepare for fresh election tests in the coming days. Following a recent setback in Saxony-Anhalt, senior party figures are set to gather for a special meeting on Sunday to rally support behind Merz, a source close to the party revealed on Tuesday.

Merz's standing within the CDU has weakened, with recent polls showing his approval rating slipping below 20% among party members and 78% of the public expressing similar sentiments. The CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the CSU, are currently polling between 18% and 20%, significantly trailing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in national elections.

Despite internal criticism, Merz remains steadfast in his commitment to serve out the full four-year term and pursue further reforms alongside his coalition partner, the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD). Speaking at an event with business leaders, Merz affirmed his determination to push through his agenda, emphasizing the need for stability to tackle Germany's challenges and address European issues, including hybrid warfare and support for Ukraine.

The CDU's prospects appear dimmer in upcoming state elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin, where it is currently polling at 7% and tied for the lead with the Left party at 20%, respectively. Despite these setbacks, Merz has dismissed calls to tie his political future to individual state election results, asserting that Germany needs stability to advance an ambitious reform agenda.