In the recent regional elections in Thuringia, Germany, the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) made significant gains, finishing first in the polls. This rise in support for the far-right comes amidst a general rejection of mainstream parties by East Germans, with the trend also being seen in nearby Saxony.
Despite the controversial history of the AfD and its lead candidate Bjoern Hoecke, who has been fined twice this year for using Nazi-era slogans at rallies, the party will not be forming part of the government. However, the fact that they were able to secure the top spot in the elections highlights the growing influence of nationalist and populist sentiments in the region.
Thuringia may only represent a small portion of Germany’s population, but the surge of the far-right in the area reflects a broader trend that is cause for concern. As East Germans continue to reject mainstream political parties, it remains to be seen how this shift towards more radical ideologies will impact the country as a whole.
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Video “Radical turn? East Germans reject mainstream parties as far-right surges • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 09/02/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English