Merkel under pressure as regional campaigns enter home straight

Twelve million Germans go to the polls across three states on he 13 March 2016. The votes were seen as a mini general election and a crucial test of Angela Merkel's popularity, especially in the context of the migration crisis.

Alternative für Deutschland was expected to make gains on back of opposition to Angela Merkel’s open-door policy.

ESO: Background information: Angela Merkel faces a delicate balancing act on migration ahead of key state elections http://www.europeansources.info/record/angela-merkel-faces-a-delicate-balancing-act-on-migration-ahead-of-key-state-elections/

Wikipedia: Baden-Württemberg state election, 2016 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baden-W%C3%BCrttemberg_state_election,_2016

Wikipedia: Rhineland-Palatinate state election, 2016 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhineland-Palatinate_state_election,_2016

Wikipedia: Saxony-Anhalt state election, 2016 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxony-Anhalt_state_election,_2016

ESO: Background information: Merkel's Humane Refugee Policies Have Failed / Merkel defends her refugee policy / Merkel's approval ratings improve / For Merkel, No Turning Back http://www.europeansources.info/record/opinion-merkels-humane-refugee-policies-have-failed-merkel-defends-her-refugee-policy-merkels-approval-ratings-improve-for-merkel-no-turning-back/

The Economist, 12.03.16: Regional elections in Germany. Mutti’s challenge http://www.economist.com/news/europe/21694568-angela-merkels-refugee-policy-faces-its-first-test-home-muttis-challenge

The Guardian, 11.03.16: German anti-refugee party targets 'political earthquake' in elections http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/11/german-anti-refugee-party-afd-political-earthquake-state-elections

The Local.de, 04.03.16: Why refugee crisis could hurt Merkel in state elections http://www.thelocal.de/20160304/heres-why-march-state-elections-in-germany-matter

The Local.de, 11.03.16: Voters set to punish Merkel at key 'Super Sunday' election http://www.thelocal.de/20160311/hard-right-set-to-punish-merkel-at-key-super-sunday-poll

Carnegie Europe: Strategic Europe, 10.03.16: Merkel’s Values, Merkel’s Realpolitik http://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/?fa=63001

EUObserver, 09.03.16: Local elections to test Merkel on refugees https://euobserver.com/beyond-brussels/132607

Politico, 11.03.16: Merkel’s ‘crown princess’ tries to win back Rhineland http://www.politico.eu/article/merkels-crown-princess-tries-to-win-back-rhineland-julia-kloeckner-malu-dreyer/

Politico, 10.03.16: Merkel’s refugee policy a political winner for rivals http://www.politico.eu/article/angela-merkel-refugee-policy-political-winner-rivals-votes-regional-elections/

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