German Chancellor Merz is convinced that the AfD will not win an absolute majority in the elections

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed confidence on Thursday that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party will not secure an absolute majority in upcoming state elections. The comments came during a press conference as the campaign for the September elections in three federal states, Berlin, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, and Saxony-Anhalt, has just begun. Merz emphasized his belief that the AfD would fail to achieve a parliamentary majority in any of these regions, stating he would maintain this optimism until election day. Merz's remarks come amid growing concerns over the AfD’s rising popularity among voters. Recent polls suggest the party could win a majority in Saxony-Anhalt, which would mark its first-ever formation of a state government. If successful, the AfD would become the first far-right party in modern German history to hold power at the state level. However, Merz insisted that his government had taken necessary measures to prevent such an outcome. The chancellor acknowledged ongoing economic challenges within Germany, including persistent stagnation in key sectors. Despite this, he described the overall situation as positive, claiming that the government has found its rhythm and fulfilled its promises. He added that the administration was aware of the scale of tasks still ahead but remained committed to addressing them. The upcoming elections have drawn significant attention due to the AfD’s potential breakthrough. In Saxony-Anhalt, the party is projected to gain substantial support, with some surveys suggesting it could surpass other major parties. This would represent a dramatic shift in German politics, particularly given the country’s historical aversion to far-right governance. Analysts have noted that the AfD’s success hinges largely on voter dissatisfaction with mainstream parties and their handling of issues such as migration, inflation, and energy security. Merz’s confidence contrasts with recent polling data indicating the AfD’s strong position in certain regions. While the chancellor has consistently criticized the party’s policies and rhetoric, he has also focused on reinforcing the stability of his coalition government. His statements aim to reassure both domestic and international observers that Germany remains resilient against populist movements. The political landscape in the three states is highly competitive. In addition to the AfD, traditional parties such as the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democrats (SPD), and Greens are vying for influence. Each party has launched extensive campaigns targeting different voter demographics, emphasizing economic recovery, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. As the election date approaches, the focus will remain on how each party can consolidate support and counter the AfD’s momentum. Merz has pledged continued efforts to ensure that the AfD does not achieve a decisive victory, though the final results will depend heavily on voter turnout and shifting alliances in the weeks leading up to the vote.