Germany’s Die Linke, AfD win big in German state elections in setback for Merz’s CDU

Germany's recent state elections saw significant gains for the far-left Die Linke in Berlin and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, marking a substantial setback for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Die Linke secured 25.7% in Berlin, while the AfD won 38.2% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where the CDU failed to meet the 5% threshold for state parliament entry. These results have intensified pressure on Germany's governing parties and raised questions about Die Linke's ties to pro-Palestinian activists and allegations of antisemitism within its ranks. Die Linke's lead candidate, Elif Eralp, is seeking to form a coalition in Berlin, but potential partners like the SPD and Greens are demanding clear commitments against antisemitism. Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, urged other parties to avoid a Die Linke-led coalition, stating the party "repeatedly crossed antisemitic boundaries during the campaign."