Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces political pressure as far-right party gains in German state elections

Today, polling stations opened in Germany for state elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin. These elections are critical for Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose leadership is under scrutiny following a recent electoral defeat by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The CDU is projected to face its worst results ever, with the SPD leading in polls, while the AfD is expected to gain ground, raising concerns about Merz's ability to govern effectively.