On 20 September 2026, regional elections were held in Germany in the states of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Berlin. According to exit polls, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is firmly in the lead in the north-eastern state.
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the AfD is polling around 37% of the vote. The Social Democrats (SPD) follow with 35,5%, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) receives only 5,5% — barely clearing the five-percent threshold. This is the party's worst result since 1949.
In Berlin, the left-wing party Die Linke wins with 24,5–26%. The CDU polls 20%, the AfD — 16%. Other parties, including the Greens and the SPD, trail behind.
Chancellor Merz called the outcome in Mecklenburg a "catastrophe," but stated his intention to continue with reforms. He emphasised his responsibility for moving the country forward, despite speculation about a possible resignation.
The AfD, which advocates tough deportation measures and the restoration of ties with Russia, once again confirms its growing support in the east of the country. However, the other parties maintain a "firewall" and refuse coalitions with it.
How will these results affect Germany's federal politics in the coming months?
The elections dealt another blow to Merz amid low approval ratings and previous CDU defeats. The AfD continues to strengthen its position, but remains isolated from power.
