German Far Right Seeks Breakthrough in Vote in Merz’s Home State

The upcoming election in Germany's most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, is seen as a crucial test for the ruling coalition led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is expected to make significant gains in the vote, posing a challenge to the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) led by Friedrich Merz, who hails from the state. The AfD's potential success is seen as a reflection of growing discontent among some German voters with the government's handling of issues such as the cost-of-living crisis and the impact of the war in Ukraine. The party has been campaigning on a platform of anti-immigration and Euroscepticism, which has resonated with a segment of the electorate. The outcome of the election could have broader implications for the national political landscape, as it may influence the dynamics within the ruling coalition and shape the direction of Germany's policies in the coming years.