Far-right gains in German elections pressure Scholz’s coalition

The recent state elections in Thuringia and Saxony have marked a significant shift in German politics, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieving unprecedented success. Under the leadership of Björn Höcke, AfD became the first far-right party to win a state election in post-World War II Germany, while also finishing closely behind the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Saxony. This outcome has intensified pressure on Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government, which garnered less than 15% of the vote across the three governing parties. Voter discontent has been fueled by various factors, including inflation, economic struggles, and skepticism towards military aid for Ukraine. The results reflect a growing anti-immigration sentiment, particularly in the economically disadvantaged eastern regions of Germany. The emergence of a new leftist party has further complicated the political landscape, as it may be necessary to form state governments without involving AfD, which holds significant power in the Thuringian state legislature. The poor performance of Scholz's coalition adds to their challenges, especially following disappointing results in the European Parliament elections. With another state election approaching in Brandenburg, the coalition's ability to regain public confidence is in jeopardy. Political analysts suggest that the recent elections serve as a clear signal from voters, indicating a loss of trust in the current government. The CDU, now leading national polls, faces difficult decisions regarding potential coalitions, as AfD's influence complicates traditional alliances. The political landscape in Germany is shifting, and the implications of these elections will likely resonate in the lead-up to the next national election, scheduled for just over a year from now.