Eastern German citizens are participating in elections for regional leadership in a close contest between the Social Democrats and the far-right Alternative for Germany party. The voting process occurs this weekend in separate jurisdictions where potential gains for candidates on the far right and far left could disrupt the national administration in Berlin and destabilize the current political order.

The vote is widely viewed as a test of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's leadership, with polls occurring Sunday in 2 states. Results from these elections may decide the fate of the embattled Chancellor and his government by signaling a shift in voter support toward the AfD and other opposition parties.