Voters in East Germany began casting ballots in elections set to favor the far-right AfD over Chancellor Scholz’s government. Opinion polls show the AfD leading in Thuringia and closely behind in Saxony, with a potential upset for Scholz. Despite the AfD’s success, forming a government is unlikely due to other parties avoiding cooperation with the far right.
The contests follow a recent Islamist attack, sparking a heated immigration debate. The rise of the AfD, known for anti-immigration views, has been significant in post-war Germany. In response to the attack, the government has announced stricter measures for migrants in the country illegally.
New challenger
Alongside the AfD, the new party BSW, critical of the Berlin government and military aid to Ukraine, is gaining traction in the eastern states. Despite policy differences with potential partners, BSW could play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape in Thuringia and Saxony.