{
  "id": 6731851,
  "title": "Germany: Far right lead in upcoming state election polls",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/germany-far-right-lead-in-upcoming-state-election-polls",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-11T09:02:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "DW English (Top Stories)",
    "slug": "dw-english-top-stories",
    "url": "https://www.dw.com/en/germany-far-right-lead-in-upcoming-state-election-polls/live-79223427?maca=en-rss-en-top-1022-xml-mrss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the latest poll, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is leading in the upcoming state election of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany. The poll, conducted by ZDF, shows the AfD at 37% support, three points ahead of the current governing center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) which stands at 34%. This is a significant shift from the recent state election in Saxony-Anhalt, where the AfD secured victory.\n\nThe center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, performed poorly in the poll with just 7% support, which would be its worst result in a state election since the establishment of the Federal Republic of Germany. The socialist Left Party came in third with 10% support, while the environmentalist Greens polled at 5% and the left-wing populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) at 4%.\n\nTo qualify for the state parliament, a party typically needs to secure at least 5% of the vote. With the current figures, the SPD would need to form a coalition with another party to continue its rule as it currently stands with the Left Party.\n\nDespite the AfD's lead, the party's candidate, Leif-Erik Holm, is not favored over current state Premier Manuela Schwesig, who holds a significant lead in personal polling, with 61% of respondents preferring her as state premier over 28% backing Holm. However, to retain her position, Schwesig might need to form a coalition with a third party due to the AfD's strong showing in the polls.",
  "summary": "Polling suggests the far-right AfD is carrying its momentum into another upcoming state election. Meanwhile, former Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged people not to take democracy for granted. DW has more.",
  "key_points": [
    "AfD party leads Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state election polls at 37% support.",
    "CDU performs worst in poll with 7% support, worst result since Federal Republic.",
    "SPD needs coalition to continue rule, lacking 5% support for state parliament."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Alternative for Germany party's lead in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania polls signals a potential shift in state governance, possibly forcing the current premier to form a coalition to retain her position.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "DW News",
        "title": "Germany: Far right lead in upcoming state election polls",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/germany-far-right-lead-in-upcoming-state-election-polls-6733594",
        "published": "2026-09-11T09:02:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}