Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to remain in office after a disastrous state election in eastern Germany, where his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) finished behind far-right AfD and far-left Die Linke parties. The CDU recorded its worst postwar result in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, falling below the 5% parliamentary threshold. AfD doubled its vote share, campaigning on economic renewal and deportation, while Die Linke capitalized on housing costs to win Berlin.

Analysts say Merz's speech aimed to quell speculation about his resignation amid plummeting approval ratings. His pledge to provide 'backbone, steadfastness and patience' comes as pressure mounts following earlier AfD victories in eastern states. The CDU's struggles reflect broader voter dissatisfaction with the governing coalition and Merz's leadership.