<p>Germany’s right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won its second regional election on September 20, 2026, achieving 38% of the total vote in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The Social Democratic Party followed with 35%, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) received 4.9%.</p>
<p>Merz stated, “We can’t sugarcoat the results in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. It’s a disaster.” This election marks the AfD's second significant victory and another loss for Merz’s party this year. Earlier in September, the AfD won in Saxony-Anhalt with 43.8% of the vote, compared to Merz’s 17.2% and the Social Democrats’ 9.3%.</p>
<p>Despite these losses, Merz expressed a commitment to his agenda, stating he will remain “steadfast.” He emphasized the importance of reforms, describing them as “the antidote to the poison of authoritarianism.” He affirmed his intention to demonstrate qualities of “backbone, steadfastness, and patience” as chairman of the CDU and chancellor.</p>
<p>German intelligence has classified the AfD as an extremist group in some regions, according to the Associated Press. Following the Saxony-Anhalt results, Merz criticized the AfD for promoting “ethnic cleansing” in its policies against illegal immigration.</p>
<p>Merz described the AfD's “remigration” policy as “nothing other than ethnic cleansing by skin color and origin.” The AfD secured 20.8% of the vote in the February 2025 elections, becoming the largest opposition party in the German parliament.</p>
<p>While Merz labeled the election results a “disaster,” AfD leaders characterized them as “catastrophic” for the CDU. AfD leader Alice Weidel stated that the CDU must reconsider its approach to the right wing and the AfD.</p>
<p>President Donald Trump praised the AfD on Truth Social after its early September win, stating the party is “ON THE RISE” and commenting on Germany's immigration policies.</p>