Merz's bloc denies chancellor ouster speculation after election defeat

The political bloc of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz categorically denied speculation about his imminent removal from office on Sunday, following a significant defeat for the CDU in the Saxony-Anhalt state elections.

Rumors about Merz's future had been circulating after the CDU recorded its worst result in the eastern German state, raising questions about the chancellor's political standing. However, his allies moved quickly to quash the narrative.

Söder also dismisses rumors

CSU leader Markus Söder also weighed in, rejecting the speculation and stating that the focus should remain on governing rather than internal party intrigues. Söder said reports of imminent changes at the top of the federal government were unfounded.

The CDU's poor performance in Saxony-Anhalt is seen as partly a reflection of voter discontent with Ukraine policy and economic conditions, with the far-right AfD party making significant gains in the eastern state.