German voters in two former East German states headed to the polls on Sunday in elections that are expected to hand victory to the far-right AfD party and deal a blow to Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government.
Opinion polls have predicted that the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) is ahead in Thuringia and a close second in Saxony, with the upstart far-left BSW also expected to make a strong showing. This shift towards the far-right and far-left parties indicates growing discontent among the electorate with mainstream political parties.
The rise of the AfD in these state elections reflects a broader trend of right-wing populism gaining ground in Germany and across Europe. The party’s anti-immigrant and nationalist rhetoric has struck a chord with voters who feel disillusioned with traditional political parties.
It is crucial to pay attention to the outcome of these elections, as they could have significant implications for the political landscape in Germany and may serve as a barometer for the political climate in Europe as a whole. The results could potentially shape future policy decisions and have far-reaching consequences for the country’s political direction.
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Video “Germans vote in state elections set to hand victory to far right • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 09/01/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English