Merz Rules Out Snap Elections and AfD-Backed Minority Government

Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly ruled out calling snap elections and categorically rejected the idea of leading a minority government with AfD backing, despite the coalition crisis and his record-low approval ratings. Merz committed to governing with the SPD through the full legislative term to 2029. The statement came as INSA polls showed AfD leading CDU 28% to 24% — the first time in German postwar history any party labeled extremist by domestic intelligence has polled above the major governing parties. Political analysts noted that Merz's commitment effectively 'chains him to the SPD' even as the two parties clash publicly over welfare and economic policy.