The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is poised to make significant gains in the upcoming German state elections, with polls showing them leading in Thuringia and running neck and neck with the conservative CDU in Saxony. This surge in support for the AfD has sparked both fear and hope among the German populace.
For some, the rise of the AfD is a nightmare reminiscent of the dark days of Nazi rule. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party, along with his coalition partners, are facing a tough battle in Thuringia, where they may not even secure a single seat in the state parliament. Meanwhile, the recent knife attack by a Syrian asylum seeker in Saxony has fueled criticism of the government’s handling of migration and prompted calls for tougher laws.
In the east, where resentment over economic disparities and perceived neglect since German reunification runs deep, many see the AfD as a chance for change. Young people like Constantin, who rides his East German moped through Meiningen, express a sense of being forgotten and a desire for a voice in politics.
Despite allegations of extremism and controversial statements from party leaders like Björn Höcke, the AfD continues to attract support, particularly in the east. Critics point to the party’s links to extremist networks and its right-wing ideology, but many supporters dismiss these concerns as attempts to smear their movement.
As the AfD gains momentum, other parties are scrambling to form a united front against the far right. The upcoming state elections in Thuringia, Saxony, and Brandenburg will serve as a litmus test of public opinion and could have far-reaching implications for the future of German politics. With the CDU’s Friedrich Merz adopting a more right-wing stance in response to the AfD’s rise, the political landscape in Germany is undergoing a significant shift.
