Germany’s regional elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have exposed growing political fragmentation and increased pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
The CDU suffered significant losses, including its worst result in a state election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania since 1949. Merz described the outcome as a “disaster” but said he would remain in office and continue pursuing his reform agenda.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) made major gains in both states and emerged as the largest party in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, more than doubling its 2021 result. The party also finished third in Berlin. Its campaign focused on stricter immigration policies, cheaper Russian energy and more conservative social values.
Despite the AfD’s gains, other major parties continue to reject forming coalitions with it under Germany’s so-called “firewall” strategy. This means coalition-building is becoming more complicated as support is increasingly divided among several parties.
Economic concerns also played a major role in the elections. High living costs, rising fuel prices and job losses in Germany’s industrial sector have increased voter frustration. In Berlin, the Left Party gained support with proposals addressing the city’s housing shortage, including affordable housing and measures to control rents.
The Left Party also made significant gains among voters who previously supported the CDU, Social Democratic Party (SPD) and Greens. Preliminary data showed that the SPD and Greens lost tens of thousands of voters to the Left Party in Berlin.
The results highlight growing support for parties on both the political left and right, while Germany’s traditional political centre faces increasing pressure. The outcome could also make it more difficult to form stable governments at both the state and federal levels.
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