AfD Secures Historic Victory in East German State Elections

The far-right Alternative für Deutschland achieved a historic victory in state elections in Thuringia, Germany, with 32.8% of the vote. In Saxony, the AfD came in second with 30.6%. The results mark a significant setback for Chancellor Olaf Scholz's ruling coalition, which saw single-digit vote shares in both states.

The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) achieved a historic victory in state elections in Thuringia, Germany, securing 32.8% of the vote.

In Saxony, the AfD came in second with 30.6% of the votes.

This marks the first time since World War II that a far-right party has dominated a German state parliament.

The results are a major setback for Chancellor Olaf Scholz's ruling coalition, which saw single-digit vote shares in both states.

The left-wing Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) also made its presence felt, garnering 11.8% in Saxony and 15.8% in Thuringia.

Sahra Wagenknecht described the BSW's performance as historically significant.

The conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) led in Saxony with 32%, providing a boost to its national leader Friedrich Merz.

Turnout was high, around 74%, and coalition-building in both states is expected to be challenging.