Mainz, Germany, March 22, 2026 (AFP) - German state vote puts Merz's conservatives to the test

NAMPA / AFP

2026-03-22

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative CDU faces a regional election battle Sunday in the western state of Rhineland-Palatinate, now held by the centre-left Social Democratic Party. Merz's Christian Democratic Union has enjoyed a narrow poll lead over the SPD -- their coalition partners at the national level -- who have ruled the mid-sized state for 35 years. Polling third is the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which spells a gr......

Restricted content

Law & Politics

2026-03-22 09:30:10

Paris, France, March 22, 2026 (AFP) - Polls open in French local elections second round

2026-03-22 09:30:10

Tawila, Sudan, March 22, 2026 (AFP) - 'They beat us with whips': Sudan RSF detainees tell of horrors in El-Fasher

2026-03-22 09:30:10

Paris, France, March 22, 2026 (AFP) - French elect mayors in key cities including Paris

2026-03-22 09:30:10

Jerusalem, March 22, 2026 (AFP) - Rocket fire from Lebanon kills one in north Israel: emergency unit

2026-03-22 09:30:10

Paris, France, March 22, 2026 (AFP) - War in the Middle East: latest developments

2026-03-22 09:00:10

Ljubljana, March 22, 2026 (AFP) - Polls open in tight Slovenia parliamentary vote

2026-03-22 08:30:13

Rome, March 22, 2026 (AFP) - Italy holds high-stakes referendum on judicial reform

2026-03-22 08:30:13

Ljubljana, March 22, 2026 (AFP) - Slovenia votes in tight polls, with conservatives eyeing comeback

2026-03-22 08:30:13

Paris, France, March 22, 2026 (AFP) - French to elect mayors in key cities including Paris

2026-03-22 08:30:13

Latest NAMPA photos

OSHAKATI, 20 March 2026 - Oshana Chief Regional Officer Teopolina Hamutumua. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA

OSHAKATI, 21 March 2026 - Chairperson of the Uukwambi Traditional Authority, Herman Iipumbu, pictured during the 36th independence anniversary celebration in Oshakati. (Photo by: Ester Hakaala) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 21 March 2026 - Members of the public at the 36 Independence celebrations at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek. (Photo by: Ali Negumbo) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 21 March 2026 - Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi, speaks at the Independence celebrations at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 21 March 2026 - Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi, speaks at the Independence celebrations at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 21 March 2026 - Former Trade and Industry Minister and liberation struggle veteran Ben Amathila pictured at the 36th independence celebrations in Windhoek. (Photo by: Eba Kandovazu) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 21 March 2026 - Swapo Member of Parliament, Fenny Tutjavi, speaks at the independence celebrations at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 21 March 2026 - Swapo Member of Parliament, Fenny Tutjavi, speaks at the independence celebrations at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA

NAMPA