Analysis: Pro-Russia AfD Eyes First German State Government as Support Surges

The far-right AfD leads ahead of elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and has nearly doubled its support in Berlin. Although state governments cannot halt German weapons deliveries to Ukraine or lift sanctions on Russia, an AfD breakthrough would give the party executive power, Bundesrat representation and a stronger platform ahead of the 2029 federal election.