German chancellor stands his ground after his party loses in state elections

Sep 21, 2026 · Esme Nicholson

Originally published by NPR News Read the original

German chancellor stands his ground after his party loses in state elections

Supporters of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), German Chancellor Friedrich Merz appears on a screen in a TV studio following the closure of polling stations in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state elections on September 20, 2026 in Berlin, Germany.

German Chancellor Freidrich Merz conceded that the night spells "disaster" for the political center, but assured the public he'd push ahead with his federal agenda of tax and welfare reforms.

(Image credit: Michele Tantussi)