Höcke claims Germany sliding toward dictatorship; Hitler salutes reported at rally

AfD leader Björn Höcke told supporters in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern that Germany is 'on the way to a new type of dictatorship,' attacking mainstream 'cartel parties.' Police reported two Hitler salutes after the rally, underscoring the far-right's radicalization ahead of state elections. The incident is part of an ongoing pattern of provocative rhetoric by Höcke, but the reported salutes add a concrete legal dimension.