Is Germany's weak economy boosting the right-wing AfD?

As Saxony-Anhalt heads toward a pivotal state election, economic anxiety is at the center of the campaign. Rising energy prices, pressures on Germany's chemical industry, uncertainty in the automotive supply chain and a growing shortage of skilled workers have become key issues for voters.

The Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is leading in opinion polls, has focused its message on affordable energy and industrial competitiveness.

With businesses facing mounting challenges and thousands of jobs tied to the outcome of economic policy decisions, the vote is being closely watched across Germany as a test of the country's political and economic direction.