The CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag expressed its support for Chancellor Friedrich Merz, despite the disappointing results of the state elections. At a closed-door meeting held Tuesday evening, party representatives emphasized the need for change, but there was no open revolt.
At the meeting, attended by about 200 lawmakers, Merz delivered a self-critical speech, acknowledging his share of responsibility for the party’s defeats in three federal states. The atmosphere during the meeting was described as constructive, although some members of the parliamentary group harshly criticized the chancellor.
CSU lawmaker Daniela Ludwig noted that questioning the need for a leadership change makes no sense, since revolutions do not usually lead to positive change. For his part, Bastian Ernst expressed support for Merz but also noted that changes are necessary.
Former parliamentary group leader Ralf Brinkhaus criticized the chancellor, pointing to a lack of trust in the party and the need for a change in policy. He emphasized that CDU leaders had previously been able to unite the country, but that the situation has now changed.
The September 20 election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania was the CDU’s biggest setback, as the party received only 4.9% of the vote. Merz described the election results as a “disaster,” and approval of the chancellor’s performance among Germans stands at just 13%. Despite this, she remains an important partner for Ukraine, to which Germany intends to provide military aid totaling approximately 11.5 billion euros through 2026.
