Alternative for Germany holds convention ahead of eastern state elections

The party is seeking to capitalize on dissatisfaction with the national coalition government that took office 14 months ago. It hopes to win at least 40 percent of the vote in the Sept. 6 election in Saxony-Anhalt, which could position it to form the state government.

Party leadership and recent performance The convention is expected to extend the terms of the two current co-leaders, who have held the posts for four years. In the previous national election the party finished second and became the largest opposition group. Recent polls have placed it first nationally. A second eastern state election is scheduled two weeks after the Saxony-Anhalt vote.

Security concerns raised by opponents Opponents have expressed concern that an Alternative for Germany-led state government could replace civil servants and risk the handling of confidential information. A Thuringia interior minister told ARD television that an Alternative for Germany interior minister would be a security risk.

The party has said it will demonstrate it can govern more effectively than existing parties. A political expert quoted in the coverage described governing Saxony-Anhalt as a significant challenge for the party.