The far-right AfD is set to win the most votes in Thuringia and Saxony, signaling a major setback for Chancellor Scholz’s center-left coalition ahead of national elections.
In a dramatic shift in German politics, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is projected to secure the most votes in recent state elections in Thuringia and Saxony. According to exit polls from public broadcasters ARD and ZDF, the AfD is set to achieve around 31% to 33% of the vote in Thuringia. In Saxony, the AfD is neck-and-neck with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), holding 30% to 31% of the vote compared to the CDU’s 31.5% to 32%.
This projected success marks the first time since the Nazi era that a far-right party is leading in a state election, representing a significant challenge to Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s ruling center-left coalition. Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) managed to clear the 5% threshold necessary to enter the state parliaments but is trailing behind the AfD, highlighting a growing discontent with the current administration.
The AfD’s rise is particularly notable in Thuringia and Saxony, both located in the former East Germany. The party’s strong performance underscores its increasing influence in these regions, which have historically been less receptive to far-right ideologies. Despite controversies and ongoing scrutiny, including monitoring by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency for suspected extremism, the AfD’s support continues to grow.
Controversies surrounding the AfD have been numerous. Party leader Björn Höcke has faced legal issues for using Nazi rhetoric, though he has appealed his convictions. In addition, recent scandals involving the party’s top candidates have raised concerns, such as Maximilian Krah’s comments about the SS and allegations of espionage and bribery among other members. Despite these issues, the AfD has managed to resonate with a significant portion of the electorate, particularly among younger voters.
The potential victory of the AfD poses a serious challenge for Chancellor Scholz, who is set to seek re-election in a year. The AfD’s significant gains in these state elections could impact national polling and shift the political landscape ahead of the federal elections. With other parties vowing not to form coalitions with the AfD, it remains uncertain whether the party will be able to translate its electoral success into tangible governing power.
As the political climate continues to evolve, the AfD’s unprecedented rise signals a potential realignment in German politics. The results in Thuringia and Saxony serve as a critical indicator of public sentiment and may have broader implications for the future of Germany’s political dynamics.