The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has emerged victorious in municipal elections in the northwestern German state of Lower Saxony, a vote widely seen as a gauge of support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). According to a projection by Infratest dimap published by broadcaster NDR, the CDU secured 27.7% of the vote, ahead of the Social Democrats (SPD) at 24.5% and the AfD at 16.5%. The Greens came fourth with 13.6%, followed by The Left at 5.9% and the FDP at 3.6%.

CDU state leader Sebastian Lechner expressed optimism hours before the projections were released, saying the party could buck the national trend. "As you know, these local elections did not exactly take place under easy circumstances. We, too, have noticed the discontent over Berlin," Lechner said, acknowledging that his party had a "credibility problem" that should be addressed.

The results were closely watched by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, especially as his CDU is expected to face a debacle next Sunday in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where support for the party recently plummeted to 7% in polls. Bavarian State Premier and Christian Social Union (CSU) leader Markus Söder warned about the political consequences of the AfD's recent win in Saxony-Anhalt. "There could be no better invitation — a penalty kick with no goalkeeper — for the AfD at this point," Söder asserted, adding that "stagnation is the best fuel for the AfD."

In Wolfsburg, home to Volkswagen's global headquarters, incumbent mayor Dennis Weilmann (CDU) won with 50.1% of the vote, defeating Karsten Schneider (SPD) at 15.5% and Thomas Schlick (AfD) at 14.1%. In Oldenburg, a runoff election is necessary: Ulf Prange (SPD) secured 33.16% and independent candidate Jascha Rohr trailed closely with 30.54%. For the first time, a woman has been elected mayor of Wilhelmshaven, home to Germany's largest naval base — Eva Maria Haarmann (Independent) won approximately 55% of the vote.

Voter turnout in Lower Saxony was significantly higher than in the 2021 local elections. By 4:30 p.m., turnout stood at 50.67%, compared with 43.99% at the same time five years ago. Long lines formed at polling places in Hanover and other locations, with wait times of up to 40 minutes reported. The preliminary statewide district results are not expected until Monday morning. The elections come ahead of key state elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on September 20, which will also be closely watched as the AfD gains popularity across the country.

Source: www.dw.com