AfD seeks new seating, vetoes
3h
After winning the Saxony-Anhalt state election, the AfD demanded a radically altered Landtag seating plan in Magdeburg and committee rules that would give it sweeping blocking powers.
But here is the puzzle:
Support for the CDU/CSU increased (as we would expect), but support for the AfD did NOT wane.
CDU/CSU gained mainly from voters who had previously supported the SPD, FDP or Greens.
AfD voters changed their views on security, but not their party preference.
4/
Support for the CDU/CSU increased (as we would expect), but support for the AfD did NOT wane.
CDU/CSU gained mainly from voters who had previously supported the SPD, FDP or Greens.
AfD voters changed their views on security, but not their party preference.
4/
September 18, 2026 at 7:52 AM
But here is the puzzle:
Support for the CDU/CSU increased (as we would expect), but support for the AfD did NOT wane.
CDU/CSU gained mainly from voters who had previously supported the SPD, FDP or Greens.
AfD voters changed their views on security, but not their party preference.
4/
Support for the CDU/CSU increased (as we would expect), but support for the AfD did NOT wane.
CDU/CSU gained mainly from voters who had previously supported the SPD, FDP or Greens.
AfD voters changed their views on security, but not their party preference.
4/
I fully agree.
It is remarkable, though, and in some ways surprising, how much political meaning will be read into this election, given MV's small electorate, just over 2% of Germany’s, and very specific local context. For the CDU in MV, the circumstances amount to a perfect storm.
It is remarkable, though, and in some ways surprising, how much political meaning will be read into this election, given MV's small electorate, just over 2% of Germany’s, and very specific local context. For the CDU in MV, the circumstances amount to a perfect storm.
The upcoming election could deal a blow to the federal government. Schwesig is campaigning against the Berlin government, making the SPD less likely to support the current policy agenda. Meanwhile, Merz appears weak and will only become weaker following a disastrous CDU result in the Northeast.
September 18, 2026 at 11:23 AM
I fully agree.
It is remarkable, though, and in some ways surprising, how much political meaning will be read into this election, given MV's small electorate, just over 2% of Germany’s, and very specific local context. For the CDU in MV, the circumstances amount to a perfect storm.
It is remarkable, though, and in some ways surprising, how much political meaning will be read into this election, given MV's small electorate, just over 2% of Germany’s, and very specific local context. For the CDU in MV, the circumstances amount to a perfect storm.
Reposted by Kai Arzheimer
The CDU is polling at 6% in the last FWG poll for Sunday's election in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. This would be catastrophic for the CDU. As a reminder: Its worst state election result was 9% in Bremen - in 1951(!). Honestly hard to imagine how Merz could stay if that ends up being the result...
September 18, 2026 at 2:48 PM
The CDU is polling at 6% in the last FWG poll for Sunday's election in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. This would be catastrophic for the CDU. As a reminder: Its worst state election result was 9% in Bremen - in 1951(!). Honestly hard to imagine how Merz could stay if that ends up being the result...
Reposted by Fabián Muniesa
Germany, INSA poll:
Berlin regional parliament election
LINKE (LEFT): 21% (+1)
CDU (EPP): 20%
AfD (ESN): 18%
GRÜNE (Greens/EFA): 15% (-1)
SPD (S&D): 12%
BSW (NI): 5%
+/- vs. 07-14 September 2026
Fieldwork: 10-16 September 2026
Sample size: 1,000
➤ europeelects.eu/germany
Berlin regional parliament election
LINKE (LEFT): 21% (+1)
CDU (EPP): 20%
AfD (ESN): 18%
GRÜNE (Greens/EFA): 15% (-1)
SPD (S&D): 12%
BSW (NI): 5%
+/- vs. 07-14 September 2026
Fieldwork: 10-16 September 2026
Sample size: 1,000
➤ europeelects.eu/germany
September 18, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Germany, INSA poll:
Berlin regional parliament election
LINKE (LEFT): 21% (+1)
CDU (EPP): 20%
AfD (ESN): 18%
GRÜNE (Greens/EFA): 15% (-1)
SPD (S&D): 12%
BSW (NI): 5%
+/- vs. 07-14 September 2026
Fieldwork: 10-16 September 2026
Sample size: 1,000
➤ europeelects.eu/germany
Berlin regional parliament election
LINKE (LEFT): 21% (+1)
CDU (EPP): 20%
AfD (ESN): 18%
GRÜNE (Greens/EFA): 15% (-1)
SPD (S&D): 12%
BSW (NI): 5%
+/- vs. 07-14 September 2026
Fieldwork: 10-16 September 2026
Sample size: 1,000
➤ europeelects.eu/germany
Remember, the AfD is JD Vance's favorite party in Germany.
Close to Power, German Far Right Takes Aim at Theaters and Arts
As the Alternative for Germany party seeks to control a state government for the first time, its push for “patriotic” art has drawn comparisons with Nazi policies.
Close to Power, German Far Right Takes Aim at Theaters and Arts
As the Alternative for Germany party seeks to control a state government for the first time, its push for “patriotic” art has drawn comparisons with Nazi policies.
German Art Institutions Prepare for a Fight as Far Right Looks to Take Power (Gift Article)
As the Alternative for Germany party seeks to control a state government for the first time, its push for “patriotic” art has drawn comparisons with Nazi policies.
www.nytimes.com
September 18, 2026 at 12:55 PM
Remember, the AfD is JD Vance's favorite party in Germany.
Close to Power, German Far Right Takes Aim at Theaters and Arts
As the Alternative for Germany party seeks to control a state government for the first time, its push for “patriotic” art has drawn comparisons with Nazi policies.
Close to Power, German Far Right Takes Aim at Theaters and Arts
As the Alternative for Germany party seeks to control a state government for the first time, its push for “patriotic” art has drawn comparisons with Nazi policies.
Reposted by David Darmofal
Averages of Senate polls at least partially sampled in Sept. w/no internals
NC: D+8.76
GA : D+5.5
NH: D+4
OH: D+4
TX: D+3.7
AK: D+2.5
ME: D+2.3
MI: D+1.8
MN: D+1.75
IA: D+0.5
NE: Tie
KS: R+2
SC: R+2
FL: R+3.5
MT: R+13.5
No polls in SD/MS/ID (not counting that ATR poll)
NC: D+8.76
GA : D+5.5
NH: D+4
OH: D+4
TX: D+3.7
AK: D+2.5
ME: D+2.3
MI: D+1.8
MN: D+1.75
IA: D+0.5
NE: Tie
KS: R+2
SC: R+2
FL: R+3.5
MT: R+13.5
No polls in SD/MS/ID (not counting that ATR poll)
September 18, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Averages of Senate polls at least partially sampled in Sept. w/no internals
NC: D+8.76
GA : D+5.5
NH: D+4
OH: D+4
TX: D+3.7
AK: D+2.5
ME: D+2.3
MI: D+1.8
MN: D+1.75
IA: D+0.5
NE: Tie
KS: R+2
SC: R+2
FL: R+3.5
MT: R+13.5
No polls in SD/MS/ID (not counting that ATR poll)
NC: D+8.76
GA : D+5.5
NH: D+4
OH: D+4
TX: D+3.7
AK: D+2.5
ME: D+2.3
MI: D+1.8
MN: D+1.75
IA: D+0.5
NE: Tie
KS: R+2
SC: R+2
FL: R+3.5
MT: R+13.5
No polls in SD/MS/ID (not counting that ATR poll)
Reposted by David Darmofal
Kansas - Governor Polling:
🔴 Masterson: 51%
🔵 Holscher: 44%
Emerson / Sept 16, 2026
🔴 Masterson: 51%
🔵 Holscher: 44%
Emerson / Sept 16, 2026
September 18, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Kansas - Governor Polling:
🔴 Masterson: 51%
🔵 Holscher: 44%
Emerson / Sept 16, 2026
🔴 Masterson: 51%
🔵 Holscher: 44%
Emerson / Sept 16, 2026
SPD has long struggled in Berlin, for a variety of reasons, most notably strong Linke support. 22% would be (just barely) their best result since 2011.
September 17, 2026 at 8:33 PM
SPD has long struggled in Berlin, for a variety of reasons, most notably strong Linke support. 22% would be (just barely) their best result since 2011.