AfD Wins State Elections in Eastern Germany

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has achieved a historic victory in the Thuringia state election, marking the first time a far-right party has won a state election in post-World War II Germany. While the AfD dominated in 16 districts, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) only managed to secure Eichsfeld, a predominantly Catholic area, which raises questions about Catholic resistance to völkisch nationalism. Concerns among residents, such as Nicki Kämpf, highlight fears of increasing hostility towards marginalized groups, especially in the context of pending adoption processes. The election results reflect broader dissatisfaction with the national government, as well as rising populism in eastern Germany, where the AfD has a strong foothold. The performance of the newly formed leftist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) also indicates a growing polarization in the political landscape. Overall, these developments have sparked discussions about the implications of far-right politics and social divisions in Germany, particularly as echoes of historical extremism resurface.