Friedrich Merz cancels New York trip amid domestic pressure
Merz will remain in Berlin after AfD’s strong result in Saxony‑Anhalt on 6 September, officials say.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has canceled a planned trip to New York next week, with a government source saying today that he needs to remain in Berlin.
The decision comes amid mounting political pressure for the conservative chancellor following the historic result for the right‑wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the state election in Saxony‑Anhalt on 6 September.
Pressure ahead of more state votes
Officials say the timing is sensitive because two more state elections are due to be held later this week, and Berlin officials judged Merz’s presence at home more important than attending the United Nations General Assembly session in New York, where he had been scheduled to participate.
A recent German poll showed AfD at a record 30 percent, ahead of the conservatives by 10 percentage points — a development that has intensified scrutiny of Merz and his party’s standing.
The cancellation signals a prioritization of domestic politics over international engagements as the party seeks to contain gains by AfD and stabilize its position before the upcoming regional votes.
Photo: EPA-EFE/LUDOVIC MARIN / POOL MAXPPP OUT
