German Chancellor Friedrich Merz vows to stay on despite state election ‘disaster’

Friedrich Merz, Germany's Chancellor, has vowed to remain in office despite his party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), suffering its worst-ever result in a state election. The CDU failed to enter any regional assembly parliament for the first time since the country's post-World War II history. The election results have called into question Merz's ability to address key issues like reviving the economy and reducing living costs.

The Christian Democratic Union won just 4.9% of the vote in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, falling just shy of the 5% threshold required for entry into the state parliament. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won the election with 38.2% of the vote, while the Social Democrats came in second with 35.5% of the vote.

In a rare move, Merz addressed the party's poor performance just days after the election, instead of waiting for the official results. He gathered CDU officials to discuss their support for his leadership. The election results have shaken the political establishment, leading to calls for Merz to step down.

Merz, 70, has struggled to connect with voters, with recent polls showing his approval rating at just 10%. His awkward interactions with voters have gone viral, further fueling doubts about his ability to lead. While there is no precedent for a mid-term chancellor ousting in Germany, Merz's position is increasingly precarious due to the widespread political pressure against him.