Germany’s economy is stalled and its politics fractured. But it sees an opening for a new chancellor to lead Europe’s response to a changing America.

Landau an der Isar, Kempten and Pfarrkirchen – these small towns may be unfamiliar to English, and indeed many German, ears. But they could determine the future migration policy of Europe. Who comes out top in a mere handful of constituencies in rural Bavaria in the German general election tomorrow will decide whether the next Berlin government will be serious about controlling immigration.