The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won a mayoral race in the eastern state of Brandenburg — a historic first.

While this is not a major nationwide victory (and the party lost several other local races the same day), experts say it offers an insight into a broader strategy: building influence from the ground up. 

Political scientist Kai Arzheimer tells DW why local elections matter, how the AfD is trying to establish itself in communities — especially in eastern Germany — and whether these small wins could translate into national momentum.