The result would give the far-right its first victory in a German state parliament since World War II
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) spoke of “historic success”, with the far-right party on its way to a major victory in the eastern state of Thuringia.
The AfD is set to win almost 1/3 of the vote, according to a forecast by public broadcaster ARD, nine points ahead of the conservative CDU (Christian Democrats), and well ahead of Germany’s three governing parties – the Social Democrats, the Greens and the liberal FDP.
The result will give the far-right its first victory in a German state parliament after World War II, although he has little hope of forming a government in Thuringia. The AfD came a close second in the more populous neighboring state of Saxony. Forecasts there gave the CDU almost 32% of the vote, just one point ahead of the AfD, and again well ahead of the three parties in the federal government.
The AfD’s leading candidate in Thuringia, Bjorn Hecke, who is a highly controversial figure in Germany, hailed a “historic victory” and spoke of “great pride”.
Hecke’s party has been branded right-wing extremist and fined for using Nazi slogans, although the former history teacher denies knowingly doing so.
With federal elections just a year away, the AfD is second in national opinion polls. Party co-leader Alice Weidel said the result was a “requiem” for Germany’s three ruling parties. And it was clear that voters in both eastern states wanted her party in government. “Without us, a stable government is no longer possible at all,” he said.
That message was echoed by Hecke, who hinted that there are many CDU voters who would be happy if the AfD and CDU worked together. Without the support of other parties, the AfD cannot rule in Thuringia, and the CDU has made it clear that it is not considering governing with the far right.
The conservatives will need support from the parties of the left to form a majority.
AfD deputy leader Beatrix von Storch told the BBC that political opponents have been attacking her party’s asylum policies as extremist for years. “Two days before the election they started doing what we always said had to be done,” she said, referring to a series of government measures aimed at tougher asylum laws.
The AfD also wants to end arms supplies to Ukraine, as does a new party heading for third place in both states, leftist leader Zara Wagenknecht’s BSW.
Source :Skai
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