[REVISION HISTORY]

Germany: Merz faces legitimacy crisis and AfD surge

Updated 23 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-10 07:34 UTC → 2026-09-11 00:45 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The legitimacy crisis facing Chancellor Friedrich Merz intensified in August 2026, marked by historic low approval ratings and internal CDU friction. Following the September 6 Saxony-Anhalt state election, the CDU suffered a major setback, with its vote share dropping to approximately 17 ~~percent. The~~ percent, while the Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved a historic victory, securing 43.8 percent of the vote and 39 seats. In response, thousands of protesters demonstrated in cities like Berlin, Essen, and Frankfurt, calling for the party to be banned. In Berlin, organizers estimated crowds reached 14,000 near the Brandenburg Gate. vote. In the Bundestag, tensions escalated as Merz accused the AfD of attempting to destabilize Germany, characterizing their ‘remigration’ policy as a synonym for ‘ethnic cleansing based on origin and skin color.’ ~~AfD co-leader Alice Weidel countered~~ Merz warned that ~~the results signaled~~ such policies could lead to the ~~end~~ collapse of essential sectors, including hospitals and the ~~current governing coalition. The session was marked by frequent interruptions, leading Bundestag President Julia Klöckner~~ craft industry, due to ~~threaten~~ the ~~expulsion~~ loss of ~~members.~~ migrant workers. In response to the AfD’s surge, CDU politician Hendrik Wüst called for a formal examination of the party by constitutional experts to determine if its goals are unconstitutional. Diplomatic tensions rose after U.S. President Donald Trump praised the AfD on social ~~media,~~ media using the slogan ‘MGGA’ (Make Germany Great Again). Consequently, Merz postponed a scheduled call with ~~Trump. German officials rejected the remarks, stating~~ Trump intended to mark the ~~country ‘does not need advice from~~ anniversary of the ~~White House.’~~ September 11 attacks. Internal pressure is mounting as CDU employee wing head Dennis Radtke warned of a ‘profound loss of trust’ in the political center. ~~Simultaneously, Merz has sought~~ Radtke urged the government to ~~project domestic unity by appearing with SPD leader Lars Klingbeil, while also pivoting~~ implement substantial tax relief to ~~international fiscal concerns by opposing a proposed 60 percent increase in~~ counter this shift. Additionally, Heiner Wilmer, chairman of the ~~EU budget, calling it ‘simply unaffordable.’~~ German Bishops' Conference, expressed concern that an AfD government might implement anti-church policies, such as ending the collection of church taxes.

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