Eight German state premiers back Merz as CDU supports chancellor before elections

The leadership of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has publicly pledged its support for Chancellor Olaf Scholz as the country heads into state elections in two key regions this weekend. In a joint statement, party chairwoman and other senior officials emphasized the importance of a stable federal government and urged voters to consider the Chancellor’s record on economic recovery, energy security and European cooperation when casting their ballots.

The endorsement comes ahead of elections in the states of Lower Saxony and Brandenburg, both of which are viewed as bellwethers for the broader national mood. While the CDU remains the main opposition party at the federal level, its backing of Scholz signals a strategic effort to influence coalition dynamics and potentially shape post‑election negotiations. Analysts note that the move could bolster the chancellor’s standing among centrist voters, but it also risks alienating the party’s traditional base that expects a clear contest against the governing SPD‑Green alliance.

Observers will watch the results for indications of how the CDU’s cross‑party appeal may affect the balance of power in the Bundestag and upcoming federal elections. The weekend’s outcomes are expected to provide early insight into voter sentiment on the current government’s policies and the opposition’s positioning ahead of the next national electoral cycle.