Berlin seeks loophole to move NATO troops to Russian border – media

Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government reportedly fears that regional authorities could obstruct the deployment The German government is developing a “secret plan” to prevent regional authorities from potentially obstructing the deployment of NATO troops to Russia’s border, according to a joint investigation by the Telegraph and Die Welt.The “contingency” measures are reportedly driven by fears that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) could secure enough support in upcoming regional elections in two eastern states to form local governments.Known for criticizing Berlin’s anti-Russia policies as harmful to Germany’s national interests, the right-wing party has grown to become the country’s most popular political force last year after once again being excluded from the federal coalition talks. In the state of Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD currently enjoys the support of 41% of voters, according to a recent survey, compared with only 24% for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU). In the northeastern Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the AfD is polling at 36%, seven points ahead of its closest competitors, the Social Democratic Party.Berlin has long accused the AfD of extremi...