The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is aiming to obtain a historic victory in a German state election, the first time it would lead a state parliament. ^[1] NATO member states committed to spending 3.5% of GDP on core defense products and 1.5% on security-related programs at the Hague summit. ^[2] Eight NATO countries have debt-to-GDP ratios of 100% or greater, with Greece and Italy at approximately 140% and France at 116%. ^[3] The new NATO spending targets would increase collective annual outlays by more than US$2-trillion compared to previous levels. ^[4] Germany is noted as the only major NATO country with a debt-to-GDP ratio of about 64%, giving it more headroom for spending increases. ^[5]