CDU premiers back Merz amid state election risk in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

CDU state premiers publicly reaffirm support for Friedrich Merz as chancellor candidate, seeking to quell internal debate ahead of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state election. Analyst Gordon Repinski notes the unusual need to urge party calm so close to a vote, signaling internal fragility. The outcome could affect CDU federal momentum and coalition dynamics.