"Mama Merkel" faces first test of migrant crisis handling as elections loom

But as several key states head to regional elections today, Mrs Merkel has become a “toxic brand” for the Christian Democrats’ core constituency. Figures like Mr Seehoffer are seen as far more likely to bring out the vote, even though they oppose their own government’s policy on the biggest issue of the day.

This is of national consequence. Mrs Merkel does not face national elections until next year, but with CDU support falling in the polls, some are warning a poor showing in the state elections could make the party panic and look for a new leader.

At the rally in the town of Halle, the mood at times was overtly hostile towards her.

“Angela Merkel may have won some new voters with her refugee policy, but she’s losing traditional CDU voters,” Martin Beier, a 25-year-old party volunteer said.

The law student said his impression from canvassing was that many traditional CDU voters were “looking for an alternative”.