CDU Donor Demands Merz Resign After Saxony-Anhalt Defeat

German entrepreneur Carsten Maschmeyer demanded Chancellor Friedrich Merz's resignation on the ARD talk show "Maischberger" Tuesday night, following the CDU's defeat in the Saxony-Anhalt state election. Maschmeyer stated Merz "completely messed it up" and must step down. Maschmeyer, who donated to the CDU in early 2025, criticized Merz's motives, claiming he sought the chancellorship out of ego to prove himself to Angela Merkel. He also attacked Merz's leadership style as emotionally distant, condescending, and arrogant based on reports from associates. The entrepreneur suggested possible successors for Merz, though the article does not name them. Maschmeyer's criticism comes amid broader fallout from the election, where the AfD succeeded and the CDU suffered significant losses.