The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has taken first place in regional elections in the north-eastern state of Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania.
This is according to exit poll data from public broadcaster ARD, Reuters reports.
According to preliminary polling, the AfD is winning 37% of the vote, ahead of the centre-right Social Democrats on 35.5%. Meanwhile, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservatives secured just 5.5% and are only narrowly clearing the threshold to enter the local parliament.
If these results are confirmed, it would be the worst showing for Merz’s party in regional elections in recent decades. Even so, the far right is unlikely to lead the government, as other key parties categorically refuse to cooperate with it.
Merz called the voting results a catastrophe, but said he plans to continue in office as chancellor and implement the planned reforms.
Elections were also held in Berlin. There, the left-wing party won with 24.5% of the vote, Merz’s conservatives took 20%, and the AfD improved its position to 16%.
The far right’s success in Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania marks the party’s second regional-level victory in the past month, following elections in Saxony-Anhalt. The AfD itself sees these regional successes as a step towards future federal elections.