Chancellor Merz seeks CDU support amid far-right AfD surge

Two German state elections scheduled for Sunday may deal a significant setback to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who recently faced a major defeat to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Elections are taking place in Berlin and the northeastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, with the AfD expected to perform strongly in both.

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Merz's CDU party is likely to witness a major shake-up as it trails the SPD by a narrow margin, with the AfD leading polls at 37 percent. A CDU performance below the five percent threshold would be unprecedented and could force Merz to resign.

Berlin is also witnessing a tight race between the CDU and the far-left Die Linke, which appeals to young voters and promises radical solutions to the city's housing crisis. A CDU loss in the capital would further tarnish Merz's image. The AfD is expected to gain further support in Berlin as well, but it is unlikely to enter the state legislature due to a "firewall" of non-cooperation among other parties.

The rise of the AfD is a clear indication of growing dissatisfaction with the mainstream parties among German voters. Chancellor Merz, who took office in May last year, is under increasing pressure to revive the economy, strengthen the military, and address irregular immigration to appease voters. However, his personal approval ratings have plummeted to around 10 percent, and his coalition with the SPD is strained by internal turmoil.

Political analyst Oliver Lembcke from Ruhr University Bochum warns that Merz's situation has reached a critical point, suggesting that a combination of election losses, low personal ratings, and party infighting could lead to his downfall. If the CDU fails to clear the five percent threshold in either state, it would be highly probable that Merz would be pressured to step down.

Despite the challenges, Merz remains resolute, preparing to discuss the election results and his future plans with the CDU executive committee. Meanwhile, voter discontent continues to mount, with many disillusioned by the CDU's failure to address their concerns.