As polls closed in the municipal vote across North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous state, initial forecasts showed the center-right party of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz set for victory — but the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) also has reasons to celebrate. Sunday's polls were the first local elections since Chancellor Friedrich Merz took office in May. The AfD has made historic gains in recent years, becoming the second-strongest political force at the national level. Although its voter base is mainly from states in eastern Germany, the AfD is hoping to capitalize on the shift toward the right in western Germany. Below you can read DW's coverage of the local election in North Rhine-Westphalia and other news from Germany on Sunday, September 14: