Merkel’s party suffers heavy defeats ahead of September’s general election

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is not standing for a fifth term in September (Clemens Bilal/Pool via AP)

A German government that does not include Chancellor Angela Merkel’s party after September’s general election appears more likely after two defeats in key regional votes.

And a mooted contender to succeed Mrs Merkel, who is not seeking a fifth term as Chancellor in the autumn, has said the centre-right needs to raise its game to keep the country’s top job.