The Newshound

Germany's Merz faces potential knock-out blow as AfD surges ahead of Sunday's twin state elections

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

Friedrich Merz, whose personal approval rating has collapsed to just 14 per cent, faces a potential leadership implosion if the AfD makes further advances in Sunday's two German state elections.
Friedrich Merz, whose personal approval rating has collapsed to just 14 per cent, faces a potential leadership implosion if the AfD makes further advances in Sunday's two German state elections.

Two German state elections on Sunday could deliver a fatal double blow to embattled Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose CDU was trounced by the far-right AfD by nearly 44 to 17 percent in Saxony-Anhalt just a fortnight ago. The AfD is expected to make strong gains in both Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and now leads nationwide polls. Merz's personal approval ratings have collapsed to around 10 percent, fuelling open speculation he may not survive his full term.

Eight CDU state premiers closed ranks on 16 September, declaring Germany needs 'stability now more than ever' rather than 'discussions about personnel'.

MoreFinancial TimesFirstFT: Merz fights for survivalIrish TimesMerz is on the ropes. Could Sunday’s regional elections deliver a knock-out blow?Hürriyet Daily NewsMerz faces new state polls after far-right thrashing - Hürriyet Daily Newseuractiv.comGerman elections put Merz under increasing pressure - euractiv.com
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