Far-Right AfD Leads Thuringia State Election Amid Rising Populism

Germany's far-right AfD party is projected to win the state election in Thuringia, per an exit poll by broadcaster ZDF. Despite garnering 33.5% of the vote, the party is unlikely to form a government. Other parties showed modest gains or declines compared to prior election results.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is on track to a significant victory in the Thuringia state election, according to exit polls by broadcaster ZDF. The poll indicates the AfD securing 33.5% of the vote, a substantial increase from its 2019 performance of 23.4%.

The conservative party is projected to follow with 24.5%, rising from 21.7% in the previous election. Meanwhile, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), a new populist party, is expected to earn 14.5%, marking its entry into the political landscape.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-way coalition parties, including the Social Democrat, Green, and Free Democrat parties, are seeing a downturn, with their shares of the vote at 6.5%, 4%, and 1% respectively. This represents a decline from their previous results.

(With inputs from agencies.)