Hoppermann accuses Schwesig of irresponsible campaign in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

German CDU General Secretary Franziska Hoppermann has accused Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's SPD Minister-President Manuela Schwesig of running an "irresponsible" campaign that weakens the political center and ultimately benefits the AfD. Hoppermann said Schwesig prioritizes her party's interests over the state's, using a personalized campaign to diminish the CDU ahead of the September 20 election. She argued the state needs a strong CDU, not an SPD fighting for its own majority, urging voters to back the CDU to prevent a left-wing coalition. Recent polls show the AfD leading, with the SPD gaining ground. The CDU has fallen to 7 percent, its worst-ever result, while the Greens hover near the 5 percent threshold. A left-wing majority of SPD, Left, and Greens appears possible, and Greens leader Felix Banaszak also accused Schwesig of reckless campaigning.