Merz after election losses AUF1 interviews Berliners

Sep 21

AUF1 reports Merz holding to reforms after three state-election defeats, ruling out personnel changes and initially retaining senior CDU support. It cites Kretschmer calling for a policy change and previews Merz facing the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, with no open replacement debate yet. Roy Graßmann asks people in central Berlin about resignation: several demand it, while one offers a more sympathetic assessment. The introduction's three-quarters figure describes the presented responses; the package supplies no representative national polling methodology.

At the CDU's September 21 Berlin press conference, Merz reports unanimous board support for maintaining the coalition and reform course, says no one questioned his leadership, and announces review of the party's structure, programme and profile. He accepts a federal and personal role in the election setbacks while arguing that their causes go further. He proposes closer federal-state cooperation and more attention to everyday worries and fairness. Evers urges empathy and practical solutions. Maurer describes acknowledgment of gaps without a settled remedy; Faas considers Merz secure for the moment, rather than the credibility problem resolved. This next-day party decision is distinct from the election-night pledge and the September 22 parliamentary meeting.