Local elections are under way in the German states of Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern today, Sunday 20 September 2026. The results could intensify political pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Opinion polls suggest that Mr Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is at risk of significant defeats in both states. In Berlin, the CDU is reportedly vying with Die Linke for first place, while in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the party is hovering just above the 5% threshold required to enter the state parliament, potentially leading to its worst ever result in a state election.
These elections follow a major victory for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Saxony-Anhalt two weeks ago, where the CDU's vote was halved. There has been speculation in Germany that Mr Merz could be replaced as chancellor mid-term if the CDU's political fortunes do not improve, despite his stated intention to continue.
Mr Merz is reportedly due to meet senior party figures in Berlin this evening and has cancelled a planned trip to New York next week, in what appears to be an effort to manage the situation.