World
Leif-Erik Holm leads the AfD into north-east Germany’s regional election
Leif-Erik Holm, 55, will lead the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) into the state election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. According to Handelsblatt, the party is polling at 36%, compared with 29% for the SPD of incumbent state premier Manuela Schwesig. The vote is scheduled for two weeks after Saxony-Anhalt’s election on September 6, 2026. Holm is considering either an AfD-only government or a coalition with the CDU. However, regional CDU leader Daniel Peters and the federal chancellor categorically rule out cooperation with the AfD.