AfD Leads in Eastern German Polls Amid Nazi Salute Scandal

A recent poll shows the far‑right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) commanding a 37% lead in the eastern German state of Brandenburg, far ahead of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) at 22% and the CDU at 12%. The result marks the highest support the AfD has ever recorded in Brandenburg and follows similar surges in Saxony‑Anhalt (around 42%) and Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern (projected 35%). Analysts note the party’s growing appeal as voters express distrust of establishment parties on issues such as migration, the economy and energy prices.

At the same time, AfD state chairman Martin Reichardt faces criticism after a previously unpublished photograph surfaced that appears to show him giving a Nazi salute during a 2020 gathering. Reichardt denies the gesture was a salute, calling it a joke, while two witnesses describe it as a “humorous knighting ceremony.” The incident has drawn condemnation from Saxony‑Anhalt’s conservative premier and raised questions about whether it will affect the AfD’s strong polling advantage ahead of September state elections in eastern Germany.