Regional elections in Germany: CDU suffers setback while AfD leads in the east

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s party is facing a difficult result in two regional elections held in Germany.

According to polls published after voting closed, the CDU has suffered a sharp decline, while the AfD has expanded its support in the eastern states. In Berlin, Die Linke is in the lead.

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the AfD is in first place with around 37% of the vote, based on an exit poll by public broadcaster ARD. It is followed by the Social Democrats of the SPD, with 35.5%.

The CDU, led by Chancellor Merz, received just 5.5%. If confirmed, this would be the party’s worst performance in a regional election since 1949. As the electoral threshold is 5%, it is still unclear whether the CDU will win seats in the state parliament.

For the AfD, the figure in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is particularly significant, as the party has recorded considerable growth in recent elections in the eastern states.

Even if the AfD finishes as the most voted-for party, the other parties have ruled out the possibility of forming a coalition with it. This leaves it unclear whether the party could take charge of the state government.

In Berlin, Die Linke is leading with around 24.5%, while the CDU is in second place with around 20%, according to ARD’s exit poll.

The two elections are being closely watched in Berlin, as they are seen as an important test for the federal government and for the CDU’s course under Friedrich Merz’s leadership.

The results come at a time when the AfD is strengthening its support base in several parts of Germany, while the CDU is facing increased political pressure following weak performances in regional elections.