Friedrich Merz’s CDU posts poor results in regional elections, according to exit polls, while the AfD advances

The CDU, led by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is facing alarming results in Germany’s regional elections, according to the first exit polls. The conservative party risks being overtaken both by the rising far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and by left-wing parties.

Preliminary data point to a difficult performance for the CDU, the chancellor’s party, in a vote that could provide an initial indication of the level of support enjoyed by Friedrich Merz’s government. Final results are expected to clarify the extent of the losses and the party’s exact position in the regional contest.

The AfD is thereby strengthening its position in Germany’s political landscape, while left-wing parties are also benefiting from the CDU’s weakening. The result could influence negotiations on forming regional majorities and the strategies of the main parties ahead of the next electoral contests.

The information is based on exit polls, and the official vote count is under way. CNN is reporting on the developments.