German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that an AfD victory in Saxony-Anhalt’s September 6 regional election could damage the eastern state and discourage international companies from investing there. A recent poll puts the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party at 42%, compared with 22% for Merz’s Christian Democrats, a result that would leave the AfD just short of an absolute parliamentary majority if sustained. The final outcome could hinge on whether smaller parties pass the 5% threshold for entering the state parliament. All major parties have ruled out a coalition with the AfD, leaving sitting Christian Democrat state premier Sven Schulze to consider building an alternative coalition or governing with minority support under a cooperation agreement. Merz has also ruled out cooperation with the AfD and the far-left Left party, saying the CDU would assess its response after the vote and seek to prevent radicals from taking control of the state.