BBC: Merkel's Bavaria ally CSU suffer 'massive losses'
Angela Merkel's sister party has suffered massive losses in Bavaria's state elections, exit polls suggest, in a blow to the German chancellor.
The CSU is set to lose its absolute majority in the state parliament.
The Greens surged into second place and the anti-immigration AfD entered the state parliament for the first time.
The CSU has ruled Bavaria almost single-handedly since 1957, but has lost support as opinion becomes polarised over issues like migration.
Exit polls for major broadcasters said the CSU (Christian Social Union) won about 37% of the vote, down 10 points on four years ago, with the left-leaning pro-immigration Greens on 18%.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: This is a huge defeat for the Christian Social Union (CSU) – sister party to Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), and an even bigger disaster for the center-left Social Democrats, Merkel’s other coalition partner in Berlin. Bottom line .... the CSU's vote went to the anti-immigration AfD party, and the left leaning SPD vote went to the Greens. German politics is changing, and for the moment it is immigration and the differing views that people have on what type of social/demographic/cultural Germany do they want in the future that is driving this change.
More News On Today's Bavarian State Elections
Bavarian voters punish Merkel allies in state election -- AP
Bavaria election humbles Merkel allies, raising tensions in Berlin -- Reuters
Merkel's sister conservatives battered in Bavaria, Greens gain big -- DW
Merkel’s Bavarian Allies Bleed Votes to Center-Left Greens and Far Right -- The New York Times
Merkel's Allies Falter In Regional Elections, As Rivals Gain On Left And Right -- NPR
Merkel's Bavarian allies humbled in historic election setback -- Al Jazeera
German chancellor’s allies suffer historic election losses -- Asia Times
Regional Vote in Bavaria: Storm That Might Reach Berlin -- Sputnik
