The upcoming state elections in Thuringia, Saxony, and Brandenburg are raising concerns as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading in the polls. In Thuringia, the fiercely anti-immigration AfD is ahead with 30% of the votes, alarming many due to the party’s radical views and connections to right-wing extremism. The possible victory of AfD in the regional elections has experts worried about the future, especially regarding Germany’s federal government and Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left bloc.
The leader of the AfD in Thuringia, Björn Höcke, has a controversial history, being convicted twice for using banned Nazi slogans. The party’s manifesto carries slogans that have been concerning for many, including the director of the Buchenwald Memorial. Given the party’s stance on Nazism and memorial management, there are fears that the Buchenwald Memorial may not survive if AfD wins the vote. The AfD has been accused of trivializing Nazism, which has sparked condemnation and warnings from those who oppose the party.
Despite warnings from those familiar with the dangers of far-right ideologies, many attendees at AfD rallies remain undeterred, dismissing concerns about right-wing extremism. The party’s leader in Thuringia, Björn Höcke, has called for Germans to embrace patriotism and has criticized the negative portrayal of Germany in history. Although the party aims to change perceptions, its links to Nazi slogans and radical ideology continue to raise doubts about its intentions and impact on minority groups, including immigrants.
The far-right AfD’s rise in Thuringia has coincided with an increase in racist attacks, as reported by NGOs documenting such incidents. The movement has led to the radicalization of many followers, with the AfD being seen as a beneficiary politically. Additionally, some companies in eastern Germany are finding it challenging to attract skilled foreign workers due to the far-right’s growing influence. The AfD’s impact is not only felt in the political sphere but also in socioeconomic aspects, posing risks to investment and skilled labor acquisition in the region.
The upcoming elections in the eastern German states also have implications for national politics and foreign policy, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the issue of migration. Both far-left and far-right parties have strong opinions on these matters, with potential alliances between parties being explored to counter the influence of AfD. The outcome of the elections will shape Germany’s political landscape and could determine the direction of foreign policy and migration policies in the coming years.
As the elections draw closer, the political dynamics in eastern Germany are becoming more complex, with parties grappling with divergent ideologies and priorities. The possibility of forming alliances to prevent the far-right AfD from gaining power is being considered, but disagreements on key issues may hinder such partnerships. Ultimately, the outcome of the elections will set the tone for national politics and may influence future policies on a range of critical matters, including immigration and foreign relations.
