Initial polls indicate varying fortunes for parties, particularly under Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s leadership. In Baden-Württemberg, the CDU narrowly missed the top position, while it regained prominence in Rheinland-Pfalz after 35 years. The upcoming elections on September 6 in Sachsen-Anhalt will be critical, as the AfD aims for its first governing role, bolstered by strong support in East Germany, where it secured 30.5% in the 2024 European elections and 37.1% in the 2025 Bundestag elections.