Merz calls it a ‘disaster’ as pro-Russia AfD leads Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania, CDU crashes

Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won its strongest-ever result in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, while also gaining ground in Berlin—deepening pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz after his CDU’s historically poor showing. Merz called the result a “disaster” but rejected speculation he would resign, insisting that his federal reform agenda must continue.