AfD launches state election campaign in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is kicking off its election campaign this weekend with a rally in Stralsund. The event marks the start of the final six weeks before the state's parliamentary elections.

Recent polling indicates strong support for the AfD in the northeastern state. An Infratest dimap survey from early July placed the party at 36% in the polls, significantly ahead of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), which is currently part of the governing coalition and polled at 29%, and The Left party at 12%.

Key figures from the AfD's state chapter are scheduled to speak, including state spokespersons Enrico Schult, who is listed first on the party's electoral list, and state premier candidate Leif-Erik Holm. The party's general secretary, Dario Seifert, is also expected to attend.

A notable guest at the rally will be Jörg Urban, the chairman of the AfD in Saxony. Urban's participation comes amid scrutiny due to his past attendance at a symposium in Sochi, Russia, which was opened by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev has adopted a hardline stance since the war in Ukraine began, frequently issuing threats of nuclear attacks on European capitals.