Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor and CDU leader, has publicly rejected any coalition with the AfD, citing fundamental policy differences and AfD contacts with the Russian Embassy. The AfD, which polls above 40 percent in Saxony-Anhalt and 28 percent nationally while serving as the largest opposition faction in the Bundestag, campaigns on anti-immigration policies and criticism of German support for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. The regional election is scheduled for September 6.