Eight German state premiers back Merz amid speculation over future

What the report says

Leaders of eight German states from Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union have publicly backed the chancellor as questions grow over his political future. In a joint statement reported by BBC World News, the premiers argued that rebuilding trust in the party requires practical action rather than internal debate about personnel. The show of support comes as Merz faces weak approval ratings and pressure from the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

The BBC said the timing is significant because two state elections are due this weekend, making them an important test of Merz’s standing as both chancellor and CDU leader. Rumours that he could be replaced have circulated for months, and they intensified after the CDU performed poorly in Saxony-Anhalt earlier in September, where the AfD made a strong advance. The BBC noted that the AfD’s gains have sharpened concern inside mainstream parties, even though other major parties are not expected to work with it in coalition.

The CDU premiers said Germany needs stability and a federal government with a working majority in parliament. Their backing follows similar support from Bavarian premier Markus Söder, leader of the CDU’s sister party, the CSU. The BBC also reported that party officials are preparing to coordinate their response after Sunday’s regional votes in Berlin and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, where further losses for the CDU are possible. More broadly, the episode highlights how election results and party performance are feeding speculation about leadership changes in German politics.