Far-Right AfD's Historic Wins Alarm German Chancellor

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the results of regional elections that saw significant victories for the far-right AfD 'bitter.' The AfD became the first far-right party to win a state legislature election in Germany since World War II. Scholz urged mainstream parties to form governments without involving right-wing extremists.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the results of two regional elections, marked by the far-right AfD's remarkable successes and his coalition's losses, as 'bitter.' He urged mainstream parties to form governments excluding 'right-wing extremists.'

The Alternative for Germany (AfD), labeled 'right-wing extremist' by security officials, won a state legislature election in Thuringia, a historic first since World War II. In Saxony, AfD came a close second behind the conservatives. Despite the wins, other parties are unlikely to collaborate with AfD to form a majority.

The nationalist, anti-migration, and Russia-friendly AfD could, however, secure enough seats to block decisions needing a two-thirds majority. Scholz, representing his centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), expressed concern, warning that the AfD weakens the economy, divides society, and tarnishes Germany's reputation. The results further strain Scholz's coalition, which saw all three ruling parties lose votes.

(With inputs from agencies.)