Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is celebrating a “historic success” after securing nearly a third of the vote in Thuringia’s state elections. This victory marks the first time since World War II that a far-right party has achieved such a significant win in a state parliament election. Despite their success, the AfD faces challenges in forming a government due to the refusal of other parties to collaborate with them.
The AfD’s controversial leader in Thuringia, Björn Höcke, hailed the victory as a monumental achievement for the party. However, the result has sparked widespread concern among critics, including Holocaust survivor Charlotte Knobloch, who warned that the country could become “more unstable, colder and poorer” due to the rise of far-right extremism.
The elections also underscored the unpopularity of Germany’s ruling coalition, as the AfD continues to gain ground, particularly in eastern Germany. With federal elections on the horizon, the AfD’s growing influence poses significant questions for the future of German politics.