In a surprising turn of events, Germany’s anti-immigration party Alternative for Germany (AfD) appears to be on a path to victory in the eastern state of Thuringia, based on exit poll projections. The AfD is projected to secure 30.8% of the vote, surpassing the conservative CDU by more than six points, and outstripping Germany’s three governing parties by a significant margin.
If these projections hold true, this would mark the far-right party’s first victory in a state parliament since World War Two. However, it is important to note that despite this potential win, it is unlikely that the AfD will be able to form a government in Thuringia.
Björn Höcke, the controversial top candidate for the AfD in Thuringia, expressed his enthusiasm for what he called a “historic victory.” Höcke, who has been labeled as right-wing extremist, has faced criticism for using a Nazi slogan and has been fined for this offense, although he maintains that he did not do so intentionally.
The outcome of this election in Thuringia is significant and has sparked debates about the rise of far-right politics in Germany. It will be interesting to see how this victory for the AfD in Thuringia may impact the political landscape in Germany moving forward.
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