Merz's CDU misses 5% seats cut-off in north-east state

Chancellor Friedrich Merz's centre-right CDU failed to reach the 5% minimum needed for seats in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Le Monde reported, citing provisional results. German broadcaster DW said the Berlin and north-eastern votes were a historic defeat. Mr Merz said the results were disastrous and he would carry on. Reuters reported no immediate challenge to his leadership.