The recent success of the Alternative for Germany party in two state elections has put Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government under immense pressure. With voters expressing discontent towards issues like infighting, inflation, and a weak economy, the far-right AfD party emerged victorious in Thuringia, becoming the first of its kind to win a state election post-World War II. This outcome has left the main opposition party scrambling to find a way to govern without involving the controversial AfD.
The eastern regions, less prosperous than western Germany, have shown support for populist parties due to various factors like anti-immigration sentiments and skepticism towards military aid for Ukraine. The Scholz government’s poor performance in recent elections raises doubts about their ability to turn things around before the upcoming national election. The situation has forced political parties to consider unconventional coalitions to form governments, as seen in Thuringia where the CDU, Scholz’s party, and the leftist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance struggle to secure a majority.
The elections have highlighted deep divisions in German politics, with parties facing the challenge of forming viable governments amidst the rising influence of the far-right AfD in the east. It remains to be seen how parties will navigate these challenges in the lead-up to the national election next year.