Merz weakened but holds on as German chancellor

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces widespread criticism, including from within his own party, after the CDU's support halved to 17.2 percent in the Saxony-Anhalt state election while the far-right AfD doubled its share, weakening his position. Merz remains defiant despite admitting his personal unpopularity contributed to the loss, and party leadership backs him, with no revolt found. His approval rating is historically low at 75 percent dissatisfaction, and domestic reforms are stalled. The result intensifies debate over Germany's "firewall" against cooperating with the AfD, which Merz has ruled out, though he previously broke promises on debt. Another state election in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on September 20 may add further pressure.