Merz and Evers after losses Reforms and coalition talks

Sep 20

ZDF carries the audible CDU press conference with Friedrich Merz and Stefan Evers after the Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern elections. Merz says Daniel Peters remains in Schwerin dealing with the consequences of CDU failing to enter the state parliament; he attributes that defeat partly to competition between SPD and AfD. He accepts a federal and personal role in the results, says no one raised replacing him, and reports unanimous CDU-board support for continuing the coalition and reforms. He announces a review of the party's structure, programme and profile, closer work with state premiers and more attention to people's fears and perceived unfairness. Evers offers Berlin coalition talks with SPD and Greens, while acknowledging CDU's result fell short and arguing for empathy, practical solutions and responsibility in the political centre. The partners' choice remains open. Asked about Germany's international image, Merz condemns antisemitism, particularly in Berlin, calls for clear positions from SPD and Greens and pledges protection of Jewish life; his characterizations of political tendencies remain attributed. On housing, Evers rejects large-landlord socialization as economically harmful while acknowledging the referendum's concerns. Merz says initial expropriation-ban drafts have been coordinated between the justice and interior ministries and promises to advance legislation, without reporting enactment. In the final answer he disputes that retirement-age reform dominated campaign conversations and instead describes unequal medical access. He says equivalent effects of statutory-insurance decisions must also reach private insurance, as previously agreed but not yet implemented. He reports Laumann's concern about fairness in parallel health and care systems, acknowledges good reasons for both and promises discussions over changes, without announcing abolition. The initial broadcast audio gap is excluded; missing opening words are not reconstructed.

ZDF reports AfD finishing ahead of Manuela Schwesig's SPD in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's September 20 election and CDU failing to enter the state parliament for the first time. Merz calls the result a severe blow and says CDU was squeezed between SPD and AfD, narrowly missing the threshold. Maurer discusses Schwesig's greater personal strength than the federal SPD and BSW's exclusion. Faas explains CDU's weak state roots, federal leadership problems and tactical voting toward both SPD and AfD. Their explanations remain attributed. No new premier or completed governing coalition is established.