AfD's Far-Right AfD's Rise in Eastern Germany's East

The far-right AfD party leads Saxony-Anhalt state elections with 43% support, potentially making Ulrich Siegmund the first AfD state premier on September 6. His victory would mark a major political shift in eastern Germany. Siegmund's agenda includes limiting constitutional protection services, abolishing inclusive school models, and removing the broadcasting fee. The AfD also leads Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with 36% ahead of its September 20 election, with national plans including border closures, euro abolition, and closer ties to Russia. The party's rise has sparked concern among mainstream politicians, with CDU figure Armin Laschet acknowledging that previous attempts to marginalize the AfD have failed. He urges the federal government to address public grievances to counter the party's momentum.