AfD's polling strength falters in eastern Germany's local elections

The far-right AfD party has faced recent setbacks in eastern Germany, despite its strong polling numbers in the region. While the party leads in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, its candidates have struggled in local elections. Meanwhile, national surveys show the AfD overtaking the CDU/CSU for the first time. In eastern Germany, the AfD has long claimed solid support. But in 26 mayoral and district council races, the party has won only twice. One key contest took place in Uckermark, where CDU incumbent Karina Dörk defeated AfD lawmaker Felix Teichner by a clear margin. Dörk focused her campaign on local issues, dismissing debates over a political 'firewall' against the AfD as irrelevant.

Teichner, known for presenting a softer image, even performed songs by left-wing folk singer Hannes Wader on the piano. Yet his approach failed to sway voters in Uckermark. Nationally, the AfD has climbed in polls, surpassing the CDU/CSU by two to three points. However, most voters abandoning the centre-right are not switching to the AfD. Instead, many plan to abstain or back left-wing parties. Political analysts, including those on the *Bundestalk* podcast, continue to debate how best to counter the party’s rise.

The AfD’s mixed results highlight a gap between its regional polling strength and actual election outcomes. While the party leads in some eastern states, its candidates have struggled in direct contests. The CDU’s victory in Uckermark suggests that local campaigns focusing on practical concerns may still limit the AfD’s growth.