Germany's Merz under pressure after bruising state election losses

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces increasing pressure following two significant state election losses for his centre-right CDU party. Operating in his 16th month of leadership, Merz's approval ratings have plummeted while the CDU has suffered a series of setbacks against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which now leads nationwide polls.

In an unprecedented move, Merz addressed the nation on TV the day after preliminary election results were released, acknowledging his party's disastrous performance in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state. Despite the AfD's victory in this region, the CDU suffered a historic defeat, dropping below five percent and subsequently being expelled from the state parliament.

Meanwhile, the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) appears poised to maintain governance in the state by forming a coalition with left-wing allies. The CDU also suffered a major setback in Berlin, losing heavily to the far-left Die Linke party. Merz must navigate these political storms while ensuring his CDU/CSU bloc remains united, preventing calls for his potential removal from power.