AfD Poised for Historic Gains in Eastern Germany

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is on track to become the strongest party in a state election in eastern Germany for the first time. Exit polls show AfD leading in Thuringia and level with conservatives in Saxony. The results challenge the governing coalition led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is poised to become the dominant party in a state election in eastern Germany for the first time, according to exit polls conducted on Sunday.

The exit polls indicated that AfD garnered between 30.5% and 33.5% of the vote in Thuringia, and around 31.5% in Saxony. The center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the national opposition party, secured 24.5% in Thuringia and around 31.5-32% in Saxony.

Despite AfD's strong showing, it's highly unlikely that any other party will join it in a coalition, making the formation of new state governments a challenging task. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's governing coalition is expected to face weak results.

(With inputs from agencies.)