Thanuja Jayani, JadeTimes Staff
T. Jayani is a JadeTimes news reporter covering Europe
Germany's anti mmigration party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), is celebrating what it describes as a "historic success" following significant victories in recent state elections. The AfD is projected to secure nearly a third of the vote in Thuringia, according to projections from public broadcaster ARD. This would mark the far right party’s first major win in a state parliament since World War II, although its chances of forming a government in Thuringia remain slim.
In neighboring Saxony, the AfD came in a close second, with projections showing the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) slightly ahead. The AfD's success in both states highlights its growing influence, even though the party does not currently have the coalition support needed to govern.
Björn Höcke, the AfD's leading candidate in Thuringia, celebrated the result as a "historic victory," expressing pride despite his personal failure to secure a direct mandate. Höcke, a controversial figure known for his extremist views, might still gain a seat due to his position atop the party list. His party has faced criticism for its extremist tendencies, including past fines related to Nazi slogans, which Höcke denies using intentionally.
The election's timing was notable as it coincided with the 85th anniversary of World War II's outbreak. Prominent Holocaust survivor Charlotte Knobloch warned that the results could lead to increased instability and diminished quality of life in Germany.
The AfD’s performance, coupled with its rising position in national polls, has led co-leader Alice Weidel to declare the results as a "requiem" for the current ruling parties. The AfD has made clear that it views its presence as essential for forming a stable government, suggesting that both eastern states' voters desire its involvement.
Without coalition partners, the AfD cannot govern in Thuringia, and the CDU has ruled out working with the far right party. Consequently, the CDU will need to seek support from left leaning parties to form a majority.
In the recent elections, around five million Germans in the east voted, with a notable 36% of under-30s in Thuringia supporting the AfD. Immigration, particularly the issues surrounding refugees and asylum seekers, was a key concern for many voters.
The national debate on asylum was intensified shortly before the election by a violent incident in Solingen, which involved a Syrian suspect facing deportation. The AfD's deputy leader, Beatrix von Storch, criticized political opponents for attacking her party’s asylum policies, noting that recent government measures mirrored her party’s proposed changes.
The AfD also advocates for halting arms supplies to Ukraine, a stance shared by Sahra Wagenknecht’s BSW party, which is also performing well in state elections. However, Wagenknecht’s party, like others, has refused to form coalitions with the AfD.
If the projections hold, the AfD could secure 32 out of 88 seats in the Thuringia state parliament, giving it significant influence, including a blocking minority on constitutional changes. In Saxony, the CDU is projected to win 42 seats, narrowly ahead of the AfD with 40 seats, while Wagenknecht's party trails with 15 seats.
The election results reflect growing dissatisfaction with Germany’s current "traffic light" coalition, composed of the SPD, Greens, and FDP. Brandenburg is set to vote in three weeks, with the AfD currently leading in polls, though the SPD and CDU are close behind.
While Höcke and his supporters celebrated in Erfurt, anti AfD protesters gathered, reflecting ongoing concerns about the party's extremist classification. The AfD has been monitored for suspected extremism, and its rise has triggered warnings from various quarters about the potential normalization of far right ideologies in Germany.
