CDU wins Lower Saxony local elections but suffers losses as AfD triples support to 15.9%
In the 2026 Lower Saxony municipal elections, the CDU remained the strongest force statewide with 27.2% but lost 4.5 points compared to 2021. The SPD fell to 24.6%, while the AfD surged to 15.9%, more than tripling its previous share. Voter turnout rose to 64.6%. In Wolfsburg, CDU incumbent mayor Dennis Weilmann won re-election with 50.1%. In Hannover, a runoff is expected between Green incumbent Belit Onay and SPD challenger Axel von der Ohe. CDU state leader Sebastian Lechner cited a federal "credibility problem."
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CDU triumphs despite losses in Lower Saxony local elections; SPD left speechless
In the local elections held in Lower Saxony on September 14, 2026, the CDU emerged as the winner despite losing more than 4 percentage points, a result the party celebrated as better than expected given federal headwinds. The AfD also celebrated, tripling its previous result to 15.9 percent and gaining ground in urban areas. The SPD, by contrast, was left disheartened and struggled to respond, reflecting both federal mood and fears for the upcoming state election. The commentary notes that the center is crumbling and margins are gaining, even in traditionally stable Lower Saxony, with incumbency and local government bonuses weakening. The author argues that councils and district assemblies are fragmenting, requiring new forms of cooperation such as shifting alliances or multi-party coalitions. The piece also references the AfD's success in Saxony-Anhalt and warns of a potential first AfD-led government, calling for cohesion and support for civil society and left-wing spaces.
Read sourceAfD quadruples in Stade, Greens exceed 40% in Göttingen, influencer beats CDU and SPD in Lower Saxony local elections
Local elections in Lower Saxony, Germany, held on September 14, 2026, saw significant shifts in voter support. The CDU remained the strongest force statewide with 27.2%, but lost 4.5 percentage points compared to 2021. The SPD fell to 24.6%, losing 5.4 points. The biggest winner was the AfD, which more than tripled its result to 15.9%, becoming the third-strongest force at the district level. The Greens achieved 14.1% statewide. In Göttingen, the SPD lost the city leadership after three terms, with Green candidate Onyeka Oshionwu (41.44%) and CDU candidate Ehsan Kangarani (27.86%) advancing to a runoff. In the district of Stade, the AfD quadrupled its vote share. In Hannover, Lord Mayor Belit Onay (Greens) achieved 45.6% but must face a runoff against SPD candidate Axel von der Ohe. An influencer also reportedly outperformed the CDU and SPD in one contest. Siemtje Möller, deputy chair of the SPD parliamentary group, described the results as a severe loss for the SPD, saying there is 'no reason for relief.' The elections are seen as a mood test for the red-green state government under Minister President Olaf Lies (SPD) ahead of the 2027 state parliament elections.
Read sourceCDU Hits 70-Year Low in Lower Saxony Local Elections, AfD Gains Ground
Local elections in Lower Saxony, Germany, have delivered historically poor results for both the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has made significant gains. The CDU's performance is reported as its worst in 70 years in the state. The results, seen in mayoral and district council races, indicate a clear political trend that could have implications for federal CDU leader Friedrich Merz and his party. The article, published by Die Welt, suggests these local outcomes reflect broader voter dissatisfaction with the established mainstream parties and a shift toward the AfD.
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CDU remains strongest party in Lower Saxony local elections despite losses, AfD gains
In the 2026 local elections in Lower Saxony, the CDU remained the strongest force at the district level with 27.2 percent, a loss of 4.5 percent compared to 2021. Party leader Sebastian Lechner attributed the setback to federal politics, citing a 'credibility problem' and admitting they had 'delivered too little,' but expressed hope for unseating the Red-Green coalition in the 2027 state elections. The SPD suffered greater losses, falling to 24.6 percent, while the AfD surged to third place with 15.9 percent, a gain of 11.3 percent. The Greens slipped to fourth place with 14.1 percent. The Left Party also gained, reaching 6 percent. Voter turnout rose by 7.6 percent to 64.6 percent. In direct mayoral elections, the Greens celebrated wins in Hanover and Göttingen, while the AfD failed to advance any candidate to runoffs. Three AfD candidates were barred from running due to constitutional loyalty concerns, which remains controversial.
Read sourceCDU wins Lower Saxony local elections but suffers losses; AfD triples support to 15.9%
In the municipal elections in Lower Saxony, Germany, the CDU won with 27.2% of the vote, but suffered a significant loss of 4.5 points compared to 2021. The governing SPD came second with 24.6% (-5.4 points), while the Greens fell to 14.1% (-1.8 points). The AfD more than tripled its support to 15.9% (+11.3 points), becoming the third-strongest force. The Left Party doubled to 6.0%, and the FDP fell to 3.7%. Voter turnout was 50.67% by 4:30 PM, up 6.7 points from 2021. CDU state chairman Sebastian Lechner distanced himself from federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stating that after the state elections on September 20, 'there must be political changes in Berlin.' He cited a 'credibility problem' with the federal government's policies, particularly on high gasoline prices. SPD state chairman Olaf Lies described the result as 'difficult,' noting that trust in established parties is strained and voters are moving to the margins. The results intensify the debate over the future of the black-red coalition in Berlin.
Read sourceLower Saxony CDU leader distances from Merz, cites credibility problem after local elections
Following local elections in Lower Saxony on September 13, 2026, CDU state leader Sebastian Lechner publicly distanced himself from federal party chairman and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, calling for 'political changes in Berlin' after upcoming state elections. According to an Infratest dimap projection, the CDU remained the strongest force with 27.7% but lost ground compared to 2021, while the SPD fell to 24.5%. The AfD surged to 16.5%, more than tripling its previous share. Lechner acknowledged a 'credibility problem' for his party and attributed voter discontent to federal government policies, particularly high gasoline prices. In Wolfsburg, incumbent CDU mayor Dennis Weilmann won re-election with an absolute majority. In Hanover, a runoff election is expected after incumbent mayor Belit Onay (Greens) led the first round. CDU candidate Peter Karst conceded defeat in the Hanover mayoral race, apologizing to supporters and taking responsibility for the result.
Read sourceLower Saxony CDU leader calls for political change in Berlin after municipal elections
Following municipal elections in Lower Saxony, CDU state leader Sebastian Lechner called for a political course correction in Berlin, citing high energy and housing prices and insufficient net income for citizens. Lechner acknowledged a 'credibility problem' for the CDU at the federal level but said now is not the time for personnel discussions regarding Chancellor Friedrich Merz. According to a projection by Infratest dimap, the CDU won the statewide vote with 27.7%, ahead of the SPD at 24.5%. The AfD more than tripled its share to 16.5%, a result its state chairman Ansgar Schledde called a sign that citizens want a 'confident conservative force.' The Greens came fourth with 13.6%, followed by Die Linke (5.9%) and the FDP (3.6%). Lechner urged the federal government to make bold decisions by year-end to provide relief and revive the economy. He dismissed speculation about a minority government as 'completely absurd.'
CDU retains Wolfsburg city hall in Lower Saxony municipal elections; Hannover heads to runoff
In the 2026 Lower Saxony municipal elections, the CDU retained control of Wolfsburg city hall as incumbent mayor Dennis Weilmann narrowly secured an absolute majority with 50.1% of the vote. SPD candidate Karsten Schneider placed second with 15.5%, followed by AfD candidate Thomas Schick with 14.1%. In the state capital Hannover, early results indicated a runoff election will be needed, with incumbent Green mayor Belit Onay leading SPD challenger Axel von der Ohe after more than two-thirds of votes were counted. CDU candidate Peter Karst conceded defeat in the Hannover mayoral race, apologizing to supporters and stating the party failed to get its message across. Karst, a lawyer and CEO of the Hannover Chamber of Crafts, faced a recent investigation into the chamber regarding social security obligations, though he stated full cooperation with authorities. Turnout reached 50.67% by 4:30 PM, higher than five years ago. CDU state leader Sebastian Lechner expressed optimism that the CDU would become the strongest force statewide, acknowledging a 'credibility problem' linked to federal discontent. The elections are seen as a mood test ahead of the next state parliament election and follow recent AfD successes in other state elections.