Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia held municipal elections, with Chancellor Merz's CDU projected to win around 34% of the vote. However, the far-right AfD significantly increased its share to 16.5%, more than tripling its 2020 result. The SPD secured approximately 22.5%, while the Green Party suffered heavy losses. The AfD's gains are seen as a potential challenge to Merz's coalition government and highlight growing right-wing sentiment in western Germany.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.