Germany discusses Merz's resignation ahead of upcoming elections

The leadership of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is discussing the possibility of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stepping down as head of the government.

This was reported by Der Spiegel, citing sources within the party.

According to the publication, the question may be raised after the September elections to the regional parliaments of three federal states. Der Spiegel's sources claim that discontent with the state of affairs in the party is growing within the CDU and that Merz's authority is declining among some of his associates.

In September 2026, elections to the regional parliaments of Berlin, Saxony-Anhalt, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are due to take place. According to the latest polls cited by Der Spiegel, the results may prove unfavorable for the CDU. After the elections, as the publication's interlocutors claim, the prime ministers of these federal states may approach Merz with a proposal to leave the post of chancellor.

Sources name the prime minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, as a possible successor. According to the magazine, he is seen as one of the potential candidates for the post of CDU chairman and head of the federal government.

Source: Vedomosti