Merz’s CDU Suffers Second Defeat in a Month as Far Right Surges in Germany

Berlin — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called it “a disaster.” His center-right Christian Democrats (CDU) lost two regional elections in northeastern Germany on Sunday. It was the party’s second and third defeat in a month. The elections took place in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and another northeastern region. The far right made strong gains in both votes. The results add pressure on Merz, who became chancellor after the CDU won the national election earlier this year. His party has now lost ground in three regional votes within weeks. Merz addressed his party on Sunday evening. He appeared somber as he spoke about the results. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party benefited from the CDU’s losses. The AfD is now a major force in German politics, especially in the former East Germany. These regional defeats do not remove Merz from office. But they weaken his authority within his party and his ability to govern. The next national election is not due for several years. Still, the losses raise questions about whether Merz can hold his coalition together and stop the far right’s rise.