Germany’s far-right AfD party celebrates historic victory in Thuringia
The anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) is basking in the glow of a “historic success” as the far-right party looks set to claim a significant victory in the eastern state of Thuringia. According to projections from public broadcaster ARD, the AfD is on track to secure nearly a third of the vote, a whopping nine points ahead of the conservative CDU and far ahead of Germany’s ruling parties.
This triumph would mark the first time the far right has won a vote in a state parliament since World War Two, although forming a government in Thuringia remains a distant possibility for the AfD. The party also came close to victory in Saxony’s state election, where the CDU narrowly edged out the AfD.
Björn Höcke, the controversial top candidate for the AfD in Thuringia, hailed the election result as a “historic victory” and expressed his pride in the outcome. Despite failing to secure a direct mandate for the state parliament, Höcke could still claim a seat due to his position at the top of his party list.
The rise of the AfD has sparked concerns among some Germans, including Holocaust survivor Charlotte Knobloch, who warned that the country could become “more unstable, colder, and poorer” as a result of the election outcome. With federal elections looming on the horizon, the AfD’s strong showing in Thuringia and Saxony has sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
As the AfD positions itself as a formidable force in German politics, the future of Thuringia’s government remains uncertain. The CDU has ruled out any possibility of forming a coalition with the far-right party, leaving the door open for other parties to step in and shape the state’s political landscape.
The AfD’s success in Thuringia has reignited debates over immigration and asylum policies, with voters expressing frustration over unfulfilled promises from mainstream parties. As the dust settles on the election results, Germany faces a new political reality that could have far-reaching implications for the country’s future.
