Seven months before the state election in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on September 20, 2026, a new Forsa poll commissioned by the Ostsee-Zeitung indicates the AfD is leading with 37 percent of the vote. This places the AfD significantly ahead of the SPD, led by Minister President Manuela Schwesig, which is polling at 23 percent, and the CDU at 13 percent. The current governing coalition partner, Die Linke, is at 11 percent, while the FDP and Greens are projected to fall below the five percent threshold needed to enter the state parliament. The BSW is polling at exactly 5 percent, on the verge of parliamentary representation. This poll shows a two-percentage-point gain for the AfD and a two-percentage-point loss for the SPD compared to a previous NDR poll. CDU state party leader Hendrik Wüst has issued a strong warning about the AfD potentially winning state elections and assuming the role of Minister President, referencing historical dangers.