Germany's governing coalition under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been dealt a sharp setback in regional elections, according to India Today. The far left won in Berlin, while the far right made gains in another state, the outlet reported on Sunday.
Merz described the outcome as a "disaster," India Today reported. The results have triggered questions about his political survival, with multiple outlets framing the vote as a crisis for the chancellor.
The BBC reported that the result threatens Germany's long-standing reputation for political stability. Deutsche Welle reported that Merz is now fighting for his political survival following the defeats. The Hindu likewise reported that the chancellor is clinging on after what it called a "disaster" in the state elections.
Reuters published a set of takeaways from the regional votes, though the specific points were not detailed in the available material.
The elections delivered gains at opposite ends of Germany's political spectrum — the far left in the capital and the far right in another state — a split outcome that leaves the chancellor's position uncertain.
What to watch next: whether Merz's coalition holds together, and how his party responds to the losses in the coming days.