Merz сancels New York trip ahead of key state elections

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has cancelled a planned trip to New York next week, where he was due to participate in events during the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly, with the German government confirming that he needs to remain in Berlin.

A source in the German government told TASS that Merz’s decision was prompted by the need for his presence in the German capital.

“The chancellor will not travel to New York next week, contrary to the original plans, as his presence in Berlin is necessary,” the source said.

Merz had been scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 23. His cancellation comes just days after state elections are due to take place in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania on September 20, contests that could have significant political implications for the chancellor.

Experts cited in the report have said the election results could help determine Merz’s political future. Leadership bodies of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag are also scheduled to meet at the beginning of next week.

The elections are being closely watched in both states. Opinion polls indicate a tight contest for first place in Berlin between the CDU and the Left Party.

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, meanwhile, the CDU faces the prospect of failing to win seats in the state parliament for the first time in its history.

By Tamilla Hasanova