Berlin, Sept 6 (Alliance News): For the first time since 1945, a far-right party in Germany is projected to win regional elections, according to exit polls.
The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), founded in 2013, is expected to secure a significant victory in the eastern state of Thuringia, claiming 33.5% of the vote.
This puts them ahead of the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), who are projected to receive 24.5% of the vote, according to exit polls by state broadcaster ZDF.
In Saxony, another state holding elections, the AfD and CDU are in close competition, with initial results showing a near tie.
The newly established left-wing party, the Sarah Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), is projected to come in third in both states. The elections, seen as a test for Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government, revealed a disappointing outcome for his Social Democratic Party (SPD).
AfD co-chair Alice Weidel called the results a “historic success” and urged the coalition government to reflect on their ability to continue governing.
Despite the AfD’s strong showing, it remains unlikely they will form a regional government due to a lack of allies. The party faces scrutiny, with its branches classified as suspected right-wing extremist by German intelligence.
