For the first time since the end of World War II, a far-right party is set to secure a regional election victory in Germany, according to preliminary exit polls. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), founded in 2013, is projected to win a decisive victory in Thuringia, achieving around 33.5% of the vote, ahead of the Christian Democrats (CDU) with 24.5%. The party is also making significant strides in neighboring Saxony, where it is neck-and-neck with the CDU.
The election results in these eastern German states are being closely watched as a barometer for the 2025 federal elections. They signal a potential realignment in German politics, reflecting a deepening discontent with the traditional political establishment.
AfD co-leader Alice Weidel hailed the projected results as "historic" and a direct repudiation of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government. "This is an unprecedented success for us," Weidel stated. "The people of Thuringia have spoken clearly against the current coalition. It's time for them to question their ability to govern."
The success in Thuringia, combined with the close race in Saxony, marks a significant moment for the AfD, which has consistently pushed a hardline anti-immigration agenda. The party's rise in these elections highlights growing frustrations with the current political order and the failures of Scholz's center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD).
Despite this apparent electoral success, the AfD faces significant hurdles in forming a government. The party is unlikely to secure coalition partners, as all major parties have ruled out working with them. The AfD's connections to right-wing extremism and its controversial candidates, such as Björn Höcke-who has faced fines for using Nazi slogans-have further isolated the party.
In Thuringia, Höcke, who leads the AfD's regional chapter, called the results a "historic achievement." He emphasized that the election outcome represents a broader rejection of the status quo. However, political analysts caution that while the results are significant, they do not necessarily translate into immediate governance opportunities for the AfD.
The local elections in Thuringia and Saxony are seen as a critical test for Scholz and his coalition partners. The SPD, alongside the Greens and the Free Democrats (FDP), has struggled with internal divisions and declining public support. The poor performance in these regional elections reflects broader dissatisfaction with the federal government.
Scholz's coalition has been under fire for failing to address key issues such as rising inflation, social inequality, and immigration, which the AfD has capitalized on to garner support. The results in Thuringia and Saxony are expected to intensify debates within the coalition about their future direction and strategy leading up to the national elections in 2025.
As the AfD celebrates its electoral gains, the broader implications for German politics remain complex. The party's success underscores a shift in voter sentiment, but also reveals the deep polarization within German society. The rise of the AfD challenges traditional party dynamics and raises questions about the future of Germany's political landscape.
With the next round of regional elections scheduled for Brandenburg on September 22, all eyes will remain on how the AfD's influence might continue to evolve and impact Germany's national politics. The results from Thuringia and Saxony offer a stark reminder of the shifting tides in European politics and the growing appeal of far-right ideologies across the continent.
