Angela Merkel faces key regional elections in Bavaria on Sunday, and if the polls are right her Bavarian sister party could be heading for historic losses.
The Christian Social Union (CSU) could lose power in the Bavarian regional parliament for the first time since 1957. Even if clings on, the results will have a serious impact on Mrs Merkel’s government — and on how long she can remain chancellor.
Like the United States, Germany has a federal system. Each of the 16 German states has its own government and parliament with far-reaching powers of their own — much like Scotland in the UK.
The states hold their elections in different years, and this weekend it is Bavaria’s turn.