German elections under way which could decide fate of Chancellor Merz
Summary
Local elections are happening in two German states, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, which could put more pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz. His party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is doing poorly in polls, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is gaining support in some regions.Key Facts
- Elections are taking place in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on Sunday.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz leads the CDU, which is currently losing support in these states.
- Two weeks ago, the AfD won a big victory in Saxony-Anhalt, and the CDU’s vote share dropped by half there.
- The CDU might lose power in Berlin and barely pass the 5% vote threshold needed to enter parliament in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
- Some parts of the AfD are labeled right-wing extremist by German intelligence, a claim the party denies.
- The AfD’s anti-immigration and Germany-first views are popular in the former communist eastern states.
- The Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by Manuela Schwesig in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, is trying to attract voters opposing the AfD.
- Support for Chancellor Merz is low due to economic problems, high energy costs, and tough debates on immigration.
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