MV state election: AfD aims for solo government, hopes for momentum from Saxony-Anhalt

Leif-Erik Holm, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's candidate for state premier in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, has reiterated his goal for the party to govern alone following the state elections on September 20. Holm stated at the AfD's official campaign launch in Stralsund that achieving sole governance is the "great task."

Holm expressed optimism about the party's prospects, estimating they could reach approximately 43 percent of the vote. He believes the AfD can gain momentum from the recent state election in Saxony-Anhalt, where the party also led in polls. "If they can manage that, what do you think will happen?" Holm asked the crowd, suggesting a powerful final campaign push.

Recent polls indicate the AfD is leading in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, but still short of Holm's target. An Infratest dimap poll from early July placed the party at 36 percent. In Saxony-Anhalt, the same polling firm indicated the AfD was at 41 percent shortly before its state election.

Meanwhile, Dario Seifert, the AfD's general secretary in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, prepared for scenarios where the party might not secure an absolute majority. He alluded to potential "AfD-defense coalitions" formed by other parties, similar to those in Thuringia, predicting such alliances would be short-lived and ultimately benefit the AfD.