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Far-Right AfD Party Gains Ground in Thuringia and Saxony Elections
Explore the rising influence of the far-right AfD party in the recent elections in Thuringia and Saxony. Discover the implications of their growing support and what it means for Germany’s political landscape.
Far-Right Party Gains Ground in Thuringia and Saxony Elections
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) appears poised to achieve a historic milestone, potentially becoming the leading party in a state election for the first time in Thuringia. Early projections suggest that the AfD is also running a close second to mainstream conservative parties in Saxony.
In an intriguing turn of events, a newly established party, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), rooted in the extreme left, has emerged as a significant contender, securing third place in both states. However, despite their electoral successes, neither the AfD nor the BSW is anticipated to play a role in forming the governments of either state, as coalition negotiations are likely to be prolonged and complex.
These elections in the two states, which are part of the former East Germany, have drawn considerable attention in Berlin. They serve as a crucial barometer of the increasing strength of extremist parties, both on the left and right, alongside the diminishing influence of centrist parties that currently compose the federal coalition government. Notably, this marks the first instance since the Nazi era that a far-right party has secured a victory in a state election.
The election results are being interpreted as a troubling reflection of the current state and future trajectory of German democracy. They are expected to exacerbate an ongoing dilemma regarding how mainstream parties can effectively isolate extremist factions and prevent them from gaining access to government positions.
All major political parties have expressed their intention to distance themselves from the AfD, deeming it a threat to democratic values. Consequently, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which may ultimately govern both states, stands to gain significantly from the shifting political landscape among traditional parties.
While these results may signal a positive outlook for the Christian Democrats in anticipation of the upcoming federal elections scheduled for September 2025, they also pose significant challenges for the three parties currently within Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s governing coalition, which has faced disappointing outcomes in this electoral cycle.