While German politics are in disarray, the EU is approaching a moment of truth in its relationship with China.

Germany’s far right has had another strong showing in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, with the chancellor’s CDU failing to enter the parliament. Without a challenger ready to pounce, however, Merz is likely to stay in office—for now.

The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has won big in the small federal state of Saxony-Anhalt, but not big enough for an outright majority. Still, the result may well trigger changes at the national level.

An amateurish government reshuffle has gone badly wrong for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. With the far-right AfD likely surging in regional elections, the end of his chancellorship may come more quickly than expected.