Merz cancels UN trip as election pressure mounts

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has cancelled his trip to the UN General Assembly next week. He faces growing pressure at home during a series of difficult state elections. A government official confirmed the decision on Wednesday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the trip had not been officially announced. The official said Merz will not travel to New York because "his presence is required in Berlin." Merz had been expected to speak at the General Assembly.