MERZ VOWS TO PRESS ON WITH REFORMS AFTER CDU STATE ELECTION LOSSES

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union suffered a heavy defeat in state elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin on Sunday, according to exit polls from public broadcaster ARD. Exit polls put the CDU at 5 per cent in one count and 5.5 per cent in another, with the anti-migration, Russia-friendly Alternative for Germany party topping the vote there. Merz called the result "a disaster" but said he would press ahead with his government's planned reforms. "What needs to be done now requires backbone, steadfastness, and patience," he said, adding he would show those qualities as CDU chairman and as chancellor.

ARD's exit polls suggested the CDU's Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania result was its lowest in any German state since the Second World War, with the party barely crossing the threshold to enter parliament. The AfD was projected to win 37 per cent there, ahead of the Social Democrats on 35.5 per cent. In Berlin, exit polls put the CDU in second place on 20 per cent, behind Die Linke on 24.5 per cent, while the AfD rose to 16 per cent. Merz said the reforms "have to come," and that he was taking on the responsibility because he wanted to move the country forward.

A CDU defeat to the AfD in a state election in Saxony-Anhalt on 6 September had weakened Merz's standing, according to reports of that vote. Merz became chancellor 16 months ago, pledging to revive an economy that has barely grown in recent years. He confirmed he intends to remain in office and continue the government's reform agenda. Merz gave no indication of changing course following the results in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin.