Germany’s AfD tops state election in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Germany’s right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party surged in Sunday’s state election in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) suffered its worst post-World War II defeat, local media reported.

According to exit polls from public broadcaster ARD, the AfD came in first with 37.9% to 38.3%, more than double its 16.7% share in 2021.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by State Premier Manuela Schwesig, got 35.4% to 35.7%, down from 39.6% in 2021.

The CDU slipped to 4.9%-5.0%, down from 13.3% in 2021 – its worst result in a state election in postwar history.

The Left Party dropped to 6%-7.5%, down from 9.9% in 2021, while the Greens were currently projected at 5.5% compared with 6.3% in the previous election, leaving their representation in the state legislature also uncertain due to the 5% threshold.

The left-wing populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) was also hovering around the electoral threshold at 4.9%.

AfD thrilled about election win

Lead AfD candidate Enrico Schult reacted euphorically to his party’s performance in the state election.

“This is the promise we all made. Sooner or later, we will change this state. The AfD is here to stay. And we will also govern, dear friends,” Schult said.

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“The AfD will not be able to form a government. The majority has chosen democratic parties. That is why I am ready to continue the work,” Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Premier Manuela Schwesig told public broadcaster NDR.

Schwesig said she is ready for a stable, democratic government, highlighting that 60% of citizens want her to continue the work.

‘CDU fighting for its life’

Following the initial results of the state election in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, CDU state chairman Daniel Peters expressed confidence that his party would continue to play a role in the new state legislature.

“This state needs the CDU,” he told party supporters in the eastern city of Schwerin.

He said he was proud of the campaigners who had worked hard for the CDU under dismal conditions.

“That is why we owe you our thanks in this very, very difficult hour. We are fighting for our life here, and that’s why this is going to be a very long election night,” Peters said.