AfD Wins Big in German State Elections as Merz Calls Result a ‘Disaster’

The far-right Alternative for Germany party has taken first place in state elections in northeastern Germany, marking the worst result for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative party since 1949, according to Reuters.

Election Results Across Two States

Projections showed the AfD winning around 38 percent of the vote in Mecklenburg Western Pomerania, ahead of the center-left Social Democrats. Merz’s conservatives fell below the 5 percent threshold needed to enter the state parliament. In a separate vote held the same day in Berlin, the far left Linke party topped the polls for the first time, while support for Merz’s party dropped sharply and the AfD gained ground in the capital as well.

Chancellor Vows to Continue Reforms

Merz called the outcome a disaster but said he would remain in office and push forward with his economic reform plans. Analysts warned that the results could make it harder for the government to pursue major policy changes, raising concerns about political gridlock ahead of national elections expected in 2029. Voters cited rising living costs, energy prices, and dissatisfaction with pension and tax reforms as key reasons behind the shift in support.