Merz calls the result in northeast Germany a "disaster," but refuses to announce his resignation.

German Chancellor and Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz described the electoral outcome in the northeastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as a "disaster" on Sunday. Despite the poor showing—where his party reportedly secured only a fraction of the vote—Merz has refused to announce his resignation.

The regional election in northeastern Germany marks a significant political moment for the federal leadership, highlighting vulnerabilities for the CDU under Merz's presidency. The decision to reject calls for resignation underscores the immediate political standoff following the regional setback.