Future of German chancellor hangs in the balance as two states go to polls

German voters head to the polls in two state elections as Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s political future remains uncertain, with his conservative party facing pressure from a resurgent far-right movement. The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), which recently achieved its strongest regional election result, is poised to capitalize on anti-immigration sentiment and further erode support for Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Analysts warn the party’s gains could reshape Germany’s political landscape, deepening divisions ahead of broader national challenges. The outcome will test the CDU’s ability to counter rising populist momentum.

Embattled Friedrich Merz faces nervous wait while far-right Alternative für Deutschland party targets further gainsVoters in two German states are going to the polls with the political future of the embattled chancellor, Friedrich Merz, hanging in the balance and an emboldened far right targeting further gains.Coming two weeks after a seismic election in Saxony-Anhalt in which the anti-immigration, pro-Kremlin Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) scored its highest ever result in a regional poll, the nativist party is expected to drain support again from Merz’s conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Continue reading...