Thuringia set for right-wing extremist election win this Sunday

A significant political shift is anticipated in Thuringia, Germany, as a right-wing extremist party is projected to secure a substantial victory in the upcoming state election on September 1. The party, led by Björn Höcke, is expected to garner around 30% of the votes, significantly outpacing the conservative CDU, which is polling at 21%. This election comes amid rising discontent with traditional political parties, leading to increased support for extremist views. Höcke's party, the AfD, has been classified as 'definitely right-wing extremists' by Germany's domestic intelligence agency, and Höcke himself has faced legal consequences for promoting Nazi slogans. The political landscape in Thuringia is complicated by the refusal of established parties to form coalitions with the AfD, making the formation of a stable government challenging. The liberal FDP and Greens are unlikely to meet the 5% threshold for parliamentary representation, while the SPD is polling at a mere 6%. The potential for an AfD-led government raises concerns about the implications for EU relations, as the European Commission could intervene using mechanisms similar to those applied in Hungary. This situation is exacerbated by recent events, including a violent incident involving a Syrian refugee, which may further influence voter sentiment towards the AfD. In light of these developments, the political future of Thuringia remains uncertain, with the possibility of a minority government or reliance on fringe parties to maintain governance. The outcome of this election could have lasting effects on both regional and national politics in Germany.