German State Elections: Far-Right AfD Poised for Historic Gains

Two state elections in eastern Germany present the far-right Alternative for Germany party with a historic opportunity to become the strongest party. With national government parties weakening, other political players, including a new leftist party, also aim for significant impacts. Tensions rise amid immigration and national policy debates.

Eastern Germany's state elections on Sunday could see the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) emerge as the strongest party, marking a potential historic milestone. With 3.3 million voters in Saxony and 1.7 million in Thuringia, the elections are being closely followed in Berlin, where Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition parties risk losing further ground.

Alice Weidel, the AfD's national co-leader, termed the elections 'an important milestone for the national parliamentary election next year.' While polls estimate AfD's support around 30%, they will likely need a coalition partner to govern, an unlikely scenario given the party's controversial stance.

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) seeks to maintain influence, relying on incumbent governor Michael Kretschmer in Saxony. Meanwhile, Thuringia's political scene is highly fragmented, with new leftist party BSW posing challenges. High anti-immigration sentiment and national policy disputes, including Germany's stance on Russia's war in Ukraine, further complicate the electoral landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)