AfD's Historic Victory in Thuringia State Election, Germany
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won its first state election, securing 32.8% of the votes in Thuringia, Germany. This victory marks a significant achievement for the right-wing party, despite challenges in forming a regional government as other parties refuse to work with them.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has made history by winning its first state election in Thuringia, Germany.
According to official preliminary results, the right-wing party secured 32.8% of the votes in the state's legislative election held on Sunday.
In close contention, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) garnered 23.6% of the votes, placing second.
Exit polls in neighboring Saxony show CDU and AfD with 32% and 31.5% of the votes, respectively.
No party from Germany's ruling 'traffic light' coalition, which includes the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Free Democratic Party (FDP), and the Greens, made it to the top three in either state.
A newly-formed left-wing party led by Sahra Wagenknecht claimed third place in both states.
AfD co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla hailed the election results as a 'historic success' and a call for a change in politics.
Despite its win, AfD faces challenges in forming a regional government as other parties refuse to cooperate with them.
Greens co-leader Omid Nouripour and CDU's national general secretary Carsten Linnemann have expressed their concern and opposition to forming coalitions with AfD.