Germany news: Campaigns wrap up in two state elections

German seaports in the North and Baltic Seas have been warned of heightened security risks, according to a port association. Florian Keisinger, managing director of the Association of German Seaport Operators, stated that major ports may be targeted by cyberattacks, espionage, and sabotage. Norman Zurke, UVHH managing director, added that cyberattacks were the main concern.

He emphasized the need for more federal government investment in protective measures for critical infrastructure. In September 24-26, German armed forces will conduct drills in Hamburg, called Red Storm Charlie, to rehearse responses to potential crisis situations. Last year, some German navy corvettes were sabotaged at a Hamburg shipyard, prompting state prosecutors to investigate two employees, but no culprits have been found yet.

Oktoberfest in Munich will begin on Saturday with a traditional ceremony where the mayor taps the first barrel of beer, marking the start of the 191st edition. Campaigns for Sunday's elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin are concluding their final events. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Green Party are leading rallies, while in Berlin, the Christian Democrats (CDU) and the left-wing populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) are staging big events.

Surveys show that 21% of voters in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and 23% in Berlin remain undecided. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the AfD and the Social Democrats (SPD) are in a tight contest, while the Greens need around 5% to enter the state parliament. In Berlin, the CDU and the Left party are in a neck-and-neck race, with the BSW potentially falling below the 5% parliamentary threshold.

Federal-level repercussions could arise from the election results, particularly regarding Chancellor Friedrich Merz's political future after his CDU's loss in Saxony-Anhalt state elections.