The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has achieved a historic victory in the state elections in Thuringia, polling at over 32% of the vote, according to exit polls. This marks the first time since WWII that a far-right party is likely to enter a state parliament. The AfD’s leader, Björn Höcke, hailed the results as a major success for the party.
With the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) falling to second place in popularity, Höcke warned against forming a governing coalition without the AfD, stating that stability in Thuringia requires the integration of his party.
In the neighboring state of Saxony, the CDU narrowly leads the AfD, showing a close race. The Greens, part of Germany’s ruling coalition, performed poorly in both states. Berlin’s mayor called the results a wake-up call, indicating a shift in public sentiment from centrist democratic parties.
As federal elections loom next year, the AfD’s success in Thuringia and Saxony has positioned it as a contender for a role in government. Despite the widespread refusal of other parties to work with the far-right group, the AfD remains optimistic and open to forming alliances to create better policies for the region. The inconclusive results in both states signal a challenging path towards forming a stable government.
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