This Sunday, district elections are set to take place in Germany, which many analysts believe will serve as a significant barometer for the political landscape in eastern states ahead of elections scheduled for September.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is expected to make notable gains, reflecting its growing influence in the region.
In related political news, Chancellor Merz is traveling to London to engage in discussions regarding the ongoing Ukraine conflict, while Russian President Putin has declined to participate in face-to-face negotiations.