Merz under pressure as two more German states go to the polls

Key Points:

• German state elections on Sunday in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin are expected to increase pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose leadership is already under scrutiny after the far-right AfD's strong showing in Saxony-Anhalt.
• The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which nearly won an absolute majority in Saxony-Anhalt, has gained significant support nationwide, challenging the traditional parties' "firewall" strategy of excluding it from coalitions.
• The CDU faces potential historic lows in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, with polls showing it near the parliamentary entry threshold, while the SPD is leading narrowly against the AfD, reflecting voter concerns about energy and housing costs.
• In Berlin, the far-left Left Party is surpassing the CDU, threatening conservative control of the mayor's office, and the AfD has made notable gains, placing third in polls amid a campaign focused on housing affordability.
• Chancellor Merz, whose approval ratings have dropped to around 14%, has struggled with unpopular reforms and communication errors, and recently introduced a relief package including tax cuts on gas and diesel to address rising fuel prices.