The recent elections in the German states of Thuringia and Saxony have highlighted some significant political shifts. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved its first-ever electoral victory, winning around 33% of the vote in Thuringia and 30% in Saxony. This success has disrupted the status quo, with the AfD emerging as a major political force, surpassing traditional parties like the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The rise of the AfD reflects deep-seated discontent with the national government’s handling of issues such as immigration and military aid for Ukraine.
In addition to the AfD’s success, a new leftist party led by Sahra Wagenknecht, the Bread, Roses, Social Justice (BSW), made a significant impact in both Thuringia and Saxony. The BSW, which combines left-wing economic policies with an anti-immigration stance, performed well, garnering nearly 16% of the vote in Thuringia and 12% in Saxony. Wagenknecht’s party has outperformed expectations and could play a key role in shaping future political dynamics in the region.
The results of the elections have also raised concerns about Germany’s stance on foreign policy, particularly concerning Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Both the AfD and the BSW have close ties to Moscow and oppose military involvement in the conflict. Their criticism of US and NATO involvement in Ukraine and calls for closer ties with Russia could have implications for Germany’s foreign policies. The election results signal support for these views on Russia and Ukraine among voters in the region.
The outcomes of the elections have not only reshaped the political landscape in Thuringia and Saxony but also put pressure on the federal government and the CDU. Voters punished Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s governing coalition, comprising the Social Democratic Party, the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party, which received less than 15% of the vote combined. The poor performance of the ruling coalition has raised doubts about its ability to govern effectively, especially with Germany’s next national election on the horizon.
The success of the AfD and the challenges faced by traditional parties like the CDU in forming viable coalitions in Thuringia and Saxony have highlighted the polarisation of German politics. The rise of populist parties on both the far-right and the left has created a fragmented political landscape, making it difficult to build stable governments. While the AfD’s gains reflect a growing discontent with the mainstream parties, they also pose challenges in terms of governance and coalition-building.
Overall, the recent elections in Thuringia and Saxony have signaled a significant shift in German politics, with the AfD and the BSW emerging as major players. The rise of the far-right AfD, the success of the leftist BSW, and the challenges faced by the federal government and the CDU point to a turbulent period ahead in German politics. The outcomes of these elections will likely have far-reaching implications for Germany’s national politics and European policy, setting the stage for future debates and conflicts within the country’s political landscape.
