Eight leaders of German states have publicly backed Chancellor Friedrich Merz, calling for stability within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) amid rising speculation about his leadership.
The premiers, all members of Merz's CDU, emphasized in a joint statement that restoring trust in the party requires "listening and taking political action, not in debates over personnel." Merz, who has led the CDU for 16 months, is currently facing low approval ratings and a significant surge in support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Electoral Challenges
The concerns about Merz's leadership have intensified following recent state elections. In Saxony-Anhalt, the CDU fell to a distant second place behind the AfD, which secured 43.8% of the vote compared to the CDU's 17.2%. This result marked a historic high for the AfD, bringing the far-right party close to controlling a German state for the first time since World War II. While the AfD fell short of an outright majority, the major parties have indicated they would not form a coalition with them, though a minority government remains a possibility.
Following the Saxony-Anhalt results, Merz denounced the AfD as a "destructive force" whose migration policies he described as amounting to an "ethnic cleansing" of skilled workers. The AfD responded by announcing plans to file a defamation complaint against Merz over his remarks.
Recent polling indicates that only 14% of Germans believe Merz is the right person for the job, contributing to questions about his viability as leader of both Germany and the CDU. The CDU's eight state premiers reiterated the need for "a stable and effective federal government with its own majority in the Bundestag."
Upcoming Elections and Party Dynamics
This backing comes as two more state elections are scheduled for Sunday in Berlin and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania. An unnamed party source indicated that CDU officials are set to meet to coordinate the party's response to the outcomes of these elections. Polls suggest a closer race in Berlin compared to Saxony-Anhalt, with the CDU and Die Linke (The Left) vying for first place, and the AfD and Greens close behind. In Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, the AfD is leading, but likely not by enough for an outright majority.
A significant setback for Merz in these upcoming elections could involve the CDU losing power in Berlin or failing to gain sufficient votes to be represented in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania's parliament. While mid-term leadership changes are uncommon in Germany, Merz could theoretically face pressure to resign or a vote of no confidence, though this is considered unlikely by many within the party.
Despite the ongoing speculation, no candidate has publicly announced an intention to challenge Merz. However, names such as Markus Söder, premier of Bavaria and leader of the CDU's sister party the CSU, Hendrik Wüst, premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, and German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt have been mentioned as potential successors.
Merz has a history of struggling to secure unified support. He required three attempts to become CDU leader and faced an initial vote to become chancellor despite having a coalition agreement, a first in post-war German history. He has also previously rallied support for a substantial defense infrastructure fund, earning praise for his focus on European security. Nevertheless, his tenure has been marked by internal party challenges and a difficult electoral landscape.