German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has canceled his planned trip to New York next week to attend the United Nations General Assembly.

The decision comes as his government faces growing political uncertainty following elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin.

Merz was originally scheduled to address the U.N. General Assembly and receive the Henry Kissinger Prize on September 22.

His cancellation allows him to remain in Berlin for a parliamentary meeting where his leadership and the future of his government are expected to face criticism, Politico has reported.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will represent Germany at the U.N. General Assembly instead.