AfD Gains Ground in Germany as Parties Weigh Cooperation

In Germany in September 2026, the far-right AfD party has been gaining political ground, with recent state election results in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern showing the party increasing its vote share. The SPD also gained support there, while the CDU lost ground. The AfD has received a victory in Saxony-Anhalt, and the BSW has signaled openness to talks with the AfD following that election.

Chancellor Merz has faced internal criticism, with some reports describing a "revolt" against him. Merz claimed that remigration is "ethnic cleansing" in comments after the AfD victory, and his statement was fact-checked. One party has accepted the AfD's offer for talks, while the AfD's internal dynamics have drawn attention, including a dispute involving an activist.

The situation remains fluid, with the AfD's rise prompting discussions about cooperation and the future of the CDU and the chancellor's leadership.