Elections in two German states shake the government, AfD wins in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Merz remains chancellor

The election results in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin have increased pressure on the German government, confronting the executive with a major political blow.

The far-right AfD came first in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, while in the capital victory went to Die Linke, represented by candidate Elif Eralp.

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the AfD received 38.2 percent of the vote, leaving behind the SPD of state premier Manuela Schëesig, which secured 35.5 percent. Despite the AfD coming first, the SPD may remain in power, as the other parties have shown no willingness to form a coalition with the far right.

The result was particularly serious for the CDU. The party received just 4.9 percent of the vote and, for the first time in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany, will not be part of the state parliament.

In Berlin, Die Linke became the leading force with 25.7 percent of the vote. Led by Elif Eralp, the party more than doubled its result, while the campaign focused on housing and curbing rising rents. The CDU came second with 18.8 percent, marking a significant decline compared with 2023.

After voting ended in the two states, Chancellor Friedrich Merz reacted publicly, describing the CDU’s result as a “catastrophe.” However, he indicated that he would remain in office and that his government would pursue its reform agenda.

Merz said that the response to the situation should be to prepare Germany for the future and strengthen it, adding that he was taking on this responsibility with the aim of moving the country forward.

Unlike the chancellor, AfD representatives welcomed the result with great confidence. Enrico Komning described the victory as “spectacular,” stressing that the party had received 20 percent more than in the last elections. According to him, the AfD has a clear mandate to govern the state and is the largest force there, while the next step will be to assess the result of the general election.