In a historic election in two eastern German states, the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party emerged as the largest force in a state parliament since World War II, with impressive results of 32.8% in Thuringia and 30.6% in Saxony. This success marked a turning point for the 11-year-old party but was met with opposition from other mainstream parties who vowed not to work with the AfD. The elections delivered a blow to Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s ruling parties, each receiving single-digit percentage shares of the vote.
The rise of the left-wing Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) also shook up the political landscape, garnering 11.8% in Saxony and 15.8% in Thuringia. The potential for coalition-building in both states is uncertain as multiple parties vie for power, including the conservative Christian Democratic Union and the BSW, which could play a pivotal role in negotiations.
The AfD capitalized on anti-migration and anti-Islam sentiments, positioning itself as a voice of dissent against the government’s handling of various issues. The party’s co-leader in Thuringia, Björn Höcke, known for his controversial statements, aimed to secure a blocking minority in the state to influence decision-making.
The election results reflected growing disillusionment among eastern voters with mainstream politics, exacerbated by economic challenges and a sense of neglect. With national elections looming in 2025, the political dynamics in Germany are shifting, with new populist forces gaining traction and challenging the status quo of traditional parties.
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