German Far-Right Expands Gains in ‘Disaster’ State Elections for Chancellor Merz
The AfD won its second first-place result in state elections this year, bringing the party closer to regional power than any far-right party since WWII.
German far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has surged in state elections in northeastern Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, securing the most votes with 38.2%, according to preliminary counts. The center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) came in second with 35.5%. This marks the AfD's second electoral victory, following a successful performance in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.
AfD co-leader Alice Weidel declared the party to be the "strongest force" and have reached the mainstream of the population. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the party of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, suffered its worst result ever with just 4.9% of the vote in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The CDU's Merz described the outcome as a "disaster."
Despite the AfD's success, it faces challenges in forming a government, as it would require coalition support from other parties. The CDU pledged to continue its reform agenda despite the election results, with Chancellor Merz vowing to stay on as chancellor. The AfD ran on an anti-immigration platform, opposing Ukraine aid, and proposing to reduce state administration size and halt wind power development. However, mainstream parties have ruled out any cooperation with the AfD in the foreseeable future.
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