Friedrich Merz’s position as German chancellor faces sustained pressure from the 2026 government crisis, driven by repeated CDU losses in state elections—including heavy defeats in Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Berlin—and national polling that places the party near 20% while the AfD leads. The CDU-SPD coalition has experienced internal friction, highlighted by Labor Minister Bärbel Bas’s October 12 resignation amid disputes over reforms and coalition attacks. Merz has retained party backing for now and continues to advance economic and pension measures while attempting a softer party image, yet low personal approval and speculation over a potential Kanzlertausch keep leadership questions active ahead of further parliamentary debates and any snap coalition tests.