Predominance of the parties of the Christian Union (CDU/CSU) in Hesse and Bavaria and an impressive rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) show the first exit polls from the elections in the two states.

According to the forecast of the first channel of the German public television ARD, in Bavaria the Christian Social Union (CSU) of the Prime Minister Markus Zeder wins the election, however recording its historically lowest percentage, 37% (-0.2 from the previous election).

The Greens emerged as the second force with 16% (-1.6), while in third place is the AfD with 15% and an increase of 4.8 points since the 2018 elections. They are followed by the CSU’s government partners, Free Voters (FW). with 14%, a result that allows the continuation of the current government coalition, as Mr. Zender has repeatedly emphasized that he does not wish to work with the Greens.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) shrank to 8.5% (-1.2), while the Liberals (FDP) failed to secure entry into the state parliament, with 3% falling short of the 5% threshold (- 2.1).

In Hesse the Christian Democratic Party (CDU), which co-governs with the Greens, can celebrate as it not only won the election with 35.5%, but increased by 8.5 points from the previous election. In second place is the AfD with 16% (+2.9), together with the SPD, which however loses 3.8 points since 2018.

The Greens follow with 15.5% and serious losses, of the order of 4.3. The FDP gives Hesse the battle of entering the state parliament, as the first forecast gives it exactly 5% (-2.5). The specific prognosis allows the maintenance of co-government here as well.