German exit polls show Merz’s party suffering heavy losses in 2 German state elections

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is expected to face significant losses in two recent German state elections, according to exit polls. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a rural state in the country's formerly communist east, CDU's support is projected to drop to an all-time low of 5.5%, the worst result since World War II. In Berlin, CDU is predicted to come in second with 20% of the vote, behind the Left party which is expected to secure 24.5%.

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party made substantial gains in both elections, suggesting it has the potential to form the first far-right regional government in Germany since the end of World War II. This comes two weeks after AfD narrowly missed a majority in the small eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt. Merz, who assumed leadership of Germany 16 months ago with promises to revitalize the struggling economy, has failed to boost national spirits and has become increasingly unpopular.

Despite the AfD's strong performance, there have been calls within Merz's own party to replace him as chancellor, but no top-level allies have publicly demanded his resignation. Reports suggest that many within the party are wary of "personnel debates." In light of these developments, Merz decided to halt a planned trip to New York next week, where he was scheduled to attend the U.N.

General Assembly. Following the exit polls, Merz stated that he will remain as CDU leader and Chancellor until the end of his term.