Election 2024: AfD triumphs in Thuringia, CDU leads in Saxony

Election 2024: AfD triumphs in Thuringia, CDU leads in Saxony

The state elections in Saxony and Thuringia On September 1, 2024, have led to remarkable results in both federal states. The AfD has achieved a strong result in Thuringia, while the CDU in Saxony asserted itself as a favorite. These elections are of great importance because they will significantly influence the political landscape of the two federal states.

in Thuringia, the AfD received 32.8 percent of the votes after the first projections, followed by the CDU with 23.8 percent. The alliance for Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) came to 15.5 percent, while the left and the SPD achieved 12.9 percent and 6.1 percent. At only 3.3 percent, the Greens did not make it into the state parliament, and the FDP remained well below expectations with 1.2 percent. This represents a significant success for the AfD, which is now the strongest force in the Thuringian state parliament.

election situation in Saxony

The elections in Saxony were similarly exciting. The latest projections show the CDU with 31.8 percent, closely followed by the AfD with 30.8 percent. The BSW received 12 percent, while the SPD, the Greens and the Left were able to achieve only modest results with 8.5 percent, 5.2 percent and 4.2 percent. In Saxony, the situation between the CDU and AfD remains particularly tight and should also be of great political relevance in the coming days.

A remarkable incident occurred during the vote in Thuringia. In a polling station in Gera, a man showed an AfD shirt, dressed with an AfD shirt, which led to a notification for threats. Such incidents raise questions about the mood and the climate during the elections. Despite the incident, the turnout remained relatively high in both Thuringia and Saxony. Before the polling stations were closed, the responsible statisticians reported 32 percent eligible to voters in Thuringia, who had given up their votes until noon, and 25.8 percent in Saxony.

reactions of the parties

top politicians immediately commented on the announcement of the projections. The Secretary General of the CDU, Carsten Linnemann, said the party remained as "the only remaining People's Party and the bulwark against the right". This is a clear announcement that aims to position the CDU, especially in view of the strong rise of the AfD. In contrast, the reactions from the traffic light coalition-consisting of SPD, Greens and FDP-were characterized by a noticeable disappointment. SPD general secretary Kevin Kühnert called the results "no evening to cheer".

The political dynamics in Thuringia become particularly interesting, where Björn Höcke from the AfD missed the direct election to the state parliament despite the strength of his party. In his constituency Greiz II, the CDU candidate Christian Tischner surpassed Höcke with 43 percent of the first votes. This could be a strategic challenge for the AfD, since Höcke, who is considered one of the most influential figures within the party, may lose its mandate if the AfD does not win enough direct mandates.

The elections in both federal states are more than just a snapshot of the political mood; They reflect the profound social tensions and change in the electorate. In particular, the successes of the AfD show that the party may win a more stable foundation and establish itself as a serious competitor in the political spectrum of Germany. This could lead to a restructuring of the political landscape in the long term.

In the coming days, the parties will have to deal with the election results. Strategic considerations on possible coalitions and dealing with the electoral claims could decide how politics will develop in Saxony and Thuringia. The focus is therefore on the upcoming discussions and the question of which coalitions in the statedays will be possible in the future, while leading politicians will have to respond to the politics operated in the elections.