The far-right Alternative for Germany party is poised to potentially secure victory as the strongest party in two state elections in eastern Germany, a first for the party. These elections in Saxony and Thuringia, home to millions of people, have raised concerns for the main opposition conservative party, aiming to keep Alternative for Germany at bay. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s governing coalition has faced criticism for infighting, contributing to a decrease in popularity among voters, compounded by economic challenges.
Alternative for Germany, or AfD, may need a coalition partner to govern despite potential electoral wins, as other parties are unlikely to cooperate. The emergence of AfD and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance reflects discontent with the national government, with ongoing internal conflicts affecting the coalition’s performance. The center-left Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats risk losing support in the states’ legislatures due to their weakening positions.
Chancellor Scholz’s government allies have faced setbacks, prompting him to defend the coalition’s achievements amid challenges and criticisms. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) aims to maintain its hold in Saxony while facing off against AfD, while Thuringia presents a more complex political landscape. The issues of migration and Germany’s stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine have also influenced voter sentiments in the region.
The rise of migration-skeptic parties like AfD and BSW has added to the political diversity in these states, where the political landscape is shifting. AfD’s call for stricter migration policies contrasts with the Social Democrats’ and Greens’ positions. The CDU’s unwillingness to ally with AfD or the Left Party may lead to unconventional coalition arrangements, given the evolving political dynamics.
Despite its growing influence in some regions, AfD faces scrutiny and surveillance by the domestic intelligence agency due to concerns of extremism within the party. The CDU’s stated reluctance to collaborate with AfD underscores the challenges in forming stable governing partnerships in the aftermath of the elections. The election outcomes in Saxony and Thuringia will undoubtedly have implications for the future political landscape in Germany.
