(Germany, 7th) German Chancellor Merz has warned that the far-right may achieve a 'Big Bang'-style breakthrough in two regional elections in September.
According to AFP, on Saturday (June 6), Merz said at the ruling coalition’s party congress in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania that the elections in this state, as well as in Saxony-Anhalt, 'are about more than just the future of a government.'
Both of these states are in the former East Germany. Polls show the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is far ahead in both states, and has also surpassed Merz’s center-right alliance on the national level, sparking discussions that he might step down.
The latest poll by Insa, published by Germany’s Bild newspaper on Saturday, showed that the alliance led by Merz (i.e., CDU and CSU) has dropped to 21% support; the AfD has reached 29%.
This is the worst poll result for the center-right bloc since 2021.
At the party congress, Merz stated: 'If we do not perform well, such a "Big Bang" will happen in September, and the way it erupts may be different from what some people imagine.'
Merz is regarded as the most unpopular leader in postwar Germany and is currently striving together with center-left forces to promote economic reforms.
Both of these states are in the former East Germany. Polls show the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is far ahead in both states, and has also surpassed Merz’s center-right alliance on the national level, sparking discussions that he might step down.
The latest poll by Insa, published by Germany’s Bild newspaper on Saturday, showed that the alliance led by Merz (i.e., CDU and CSU) has dropped to 21% support; the AfD has reached 29%.
This is the worst poll result for the center-right bloc since 2021.
At the party congress, Merz stated: 'If we do not perform well, such a "Big Bang" will happen in September, and the way it erupts may be different from what some people imagine.'
Merz is regarded as the most unpopular leader in postwar Germany and is currently striving together with center-left forces to promote economic reforms.