AfD Gains Record Lead in German Polls as Political Turmoil Grows

In Germany, the far-right AfD has taken a record lead over the conservative CDU/CSU in a ZDF Politbarometer poll, as three state elections throw national politics into disarray. A majority of respondents now expect Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government to end prematurely. The AfD is also demanding half the seats on parliamentary committees, prompting SPD and Greens to consider legal action, while a dispute over the state parliament presidency continues. In Heidenau, the AfD and CDU voted against installing Stolpersteine, brass plaques commemorating Nazi victims.