Germany is gearing up for two more pivotal state elections on Sunday: in the capital Berlin and in the largely rural region of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. All eyes are on the far-right AfD, which after recording its best ever result in the recent Saxony-Anhalt elections, is hoping to once again make sweeping gains. The anti-immigration party’s surging popularity is proving challenging for Chancellor Friedrich Merz and both elections are expected to further test his leadership. Story by Eliza Herbert.​