German parties warn of irreversible consequences if AfD gains power

On 25 August 2026, German politics was dominated by the AfD's strong polling ahead of state elections and by a drone incident in Leipzig. Merz warned that those behind hybrid attacks against Germany 'will pay', after officials found a third drone at an airport. Merz and his cabinet also held a retreat in Neuhardenberg, where the agenda included growth and a CDU politician warned of social imbalance. Germany also plans a sugar tax that includes sugar-free drinks.

Greens and Left politicians warned of 'irreversible consequences' because of the AfD, regarding whether they would clear the 5 percent threshold. One poll put the AfD 22 percentage points ahead of the CDU, and another ranked Merz last among politicians. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the AfD and CDU were heading for a stalemate ahead of the state election, and Schwesig accused the AfD of double-talk over Nord Stream. In Saxony-Anhalt, the MDR warned of the AfD ending the broadcasting treaties, and Klingbeil set out how the SPD wants to stop the AfD.