AfD, Die Linke Win German State Elections: Merz's CDU Crisis

The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) and the far-left Die Linke delivered stunning victories in Germany's 20 September 2026 state elections, as exit polls showed the AfD winning Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Die Linke leading Berlin for the first time since reunification. The results mark a new low for Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose Christian Democratic Union (CDU) fell to its worst-ever state result and may have missed the 5% threshold in the northeastern state.

Why These German State Elections Matter

Germany's 16 Bundesländer hold significant powers over education, policing and taxation. The German state election system gives regional governments a direct role in federal legislation through the Bundesrat, the upper house. On 20 September, roughly 2.5 million Berliners and 1.3 million voters in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern went to the polls, with voting open to citizens aged 16 and over. Turnout in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern reached 78.1%, up 7.3 percentage points from 2021.

AfD Wins Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, CDU Below 5% Threshold

According to ARD's exit poll published at 19:57, the AfD took 37.9% in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, narrowly ahead of the centre-left SPD's 35.7%. The CDU was projected at just 4.9% by both ARD and ZDF, below the 5% threshold required to enter the state parliament. If confirmed, it would be the first time the CDU has failed to win seats in a state election. Preliminary results later showed the AfD at 38.2% and the CDU at 4.9%.

The result is the third time the far-right party has become the strongest force in a state, following Saxony-Anhalt on 6 September, where the AfD won 43.8%. In a speech immediately after the exit polls, Merz called the outcome "ein Desaster" (a disaster) for his party. "I take on this responsibility because I want to move our country forward," Merz said, adding that reforms are "the antidote to the authoritarian poison that is seeping deeper into our society." AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla demanded Merz's resignation.

Die Linke Tops Berlin for First Time Since Reunification

In Berlin, exit polls projected Die Linke at 25.3%, ahead of the CDU at 19.1% and the AfD at around 16%. This is the first time the far-left party has topped a Berlin state election since German reunification in 1990. Despite the win, Die Linke would need coalition partners — likely the SPD and Greens — to take control of the mayor's office. The Berlin coalition negotiations are expected to be complex, as no single party has a majority.

What This Means for Chancellor Merz and the CDU

The double defeat deepens a crisis that has gripped Merz's government since the summer. The CDU/CSU–SPD grand coalition, in office since May 2025, faces record-low approval for the chancellor — INSA/Bild put Merz at just 14% approval. National polls now show the AfD in first place at 28–29%. Analysts say the losses will intensify pressure on Merz to step aside for a more popular figure, with North Rhine-Westphalia's Hendrik Wüst and Bavaria's Markus Söder named as potential successors.

"These exit polls are a very bitter pill for Merz. Even among his own supporters, dissatisfaction with the chancellor is great. The traditional people's parties are losing their power base," said a political commentator. "Merz does not want to yield. Now the question is whether the party will grant him that."

Key State Election Results – 20 September 2026

• Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: AfD 38.2%, SPD 35.5%, Left 6.5%, Greens 5.7%, CDU 4.9% (below threshold)
• Berlin (exit poll): Die Linke 25.3%, CDU 19.1%, AfD ~16%
• Turnout Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: 78.1% (up 7.3 points from 2021)

Impact on German and European Politics

The AfD's gains and the CDU's collapse will have consequences beyond Germany. The rise of the far right in Germany is alarming European allies ahead of the 2029 federal elections. At the same time, the weakened CDU could complicate Germany's role in the EU, as internal instability undermines the chancellor's authority in Brussels. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the SPD can only form a majority with the Left and Greens, setting up a likely red-red-green coalition. Despite its victory, the AfD has little chance of governing because other parties maintain a "firewall" against the far right.

FAQ: German State Elections 2026

Who won the German state elections in September 2026?

The AfD won Mecklenburg-Vorpommern with 38.2%, while Die Linke led Berlin with 25.3% in exit polls, marking historic results for both parties.

Why is the CDU in crisis?

The CDU under Friedrich Merz fell to 4.9% in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, below the 5% threshold, and lost ground in Berlin, following earlier defeats in Saxony-Anhalt. Merz's approval rating is just 14%.

Can the AfD govern Mecklenburg-Vorpommern?

Unlikely. Other parties maintain a firewall against the far-right AfD, so the SPD, Left and Greens are expected to form a red-red-green coalition instead.

Is Friedrich Merz resigning?

Merz has vowed to stay on as chancellor and party chair, calling the results a disaster but insisting reforms must continue. Pressure for his replacement is growing, however.

What were the turnout numbers?

Turnout in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern was 78.1%, up 7.3 percentage points from 2021, with about 2.5 million eligible voters in Berlin and 1.3 million in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.