Berlin: Voters in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are heading to the polls on September 20, in state elections being closely watched for their potential impact on Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his governing coalition. The Federal Returning Officer lists both elections for September 20, 2026.
The elections come with growing pressure on Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), following strong gains by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Saxony-Anhalt earlier this month. The latest contests could provide another test of public support for the chancellor and his party.
In Berlin, the CDU is facing a close contest with the Left Party (Die Linke). A September 17 projection from Forschungsgruppe Wahlen put Die Linke at 22 percent and the CDU at 20 percent, with the AfD on 18 percent.
In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the race is also closely watched, with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and AfD competing at the top of the polls. The CDU faces particular pressure in the state, with a September 17 projection placing it at just 6 percent, only slightly above the 5 percent threshold required for parliamentary representation.
The results could therefore have national political significance, even though they are state-level elections. German public broadcaster Tagesschau described the contests as a potential test for the federal government, with voters in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania closely watching national political developments.
Merz has faced criticism over the government’s handling of Germany’s economic difficulties, immigration and other domestic issues. Reuters reported that senior CDU figures have continued to back the chancellor publicly, although internal concerns about the party’s political performance have grown.
The AfD is seeking to build on its recent gains, particularly in eastern Germany, where the party has strengthened its electoral support. The party’s positions on immigration and its approach to relations with Russia remain central themes of its political platform.
In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, incumbent state premier Manuela Schwesig of the SPD has sought to use her regional profile in the campaign as her party competes closely with the AfD. Recent polling has shown a narrow race between the two parties.
For Merz, the elections come only 16 months after he took office and at a time when his government is preparing economic, tax and welfare reforms. The outcome will provide a fresh indication of the political mood in two states and could intensify debate within the CDU over the direction of the federal government.
The elections are being held in both states on September 20, with Berlin electing its House of Representatives and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania choosing a new state parliament.
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