CSU set to lose Bayern

The Christian Social Union (CSU), the sister party of Angela Merkel's CDU, look set to lose state elections held today in Bayern (Bavaria) reports The Local. Exit polls show the CSU have gotten only 43% of the vote. This is the CSU worst election since 1952 and means they will lose their absolute majority, which they have held since 1962.

The SPD are also down on 2003 according to the exit poll, which has them at 19%. The Greens and the FDP did well and increased their vote to 9.2% and 8.4% respectively and the Free Voters polled 10.2% ensuring that at least five parties will be represented in the state parliament. Die Linke who have made gains across Germany looks set to fail to reach the 5% threshold, polling at 4.7%.

This is not good reading for the CDU who are facing though times ahead of next years general election, of course it does not look well either for the SPD who are in a 'grand coalition' with the CDU.

More Information:
The Local - CSU suffers huge losses in Bavarian vote
Swissinfo - Merkel allies suffer big losses in Bavaria vote