AfD Wins Historic Election in Thuringia

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is set to achieve a historic victory in the Thuringia regional election, projected to receive around 33.2% of the vote, marking the first time a far-right party has won such a contest in postwar Germany. Björn Höcke, a controversial figure associated with extreme right views, leads the AfD's campaign, despite being deemed a threat to the constitutional order by German intelligence. The results reflect growing discontent in eastern Germany, with voters increasingly turning to populist parties amid economic frustrations and security concerns, particularly following a recent violent incident involving an asylum seeker. Despite the projected success, the AfD is unlikely to form a government due to coalitions ruled out by other parties. The outcome poses significant challenges for Chancellor Olaf Scholz's governing coalition, with all parties except for the Social Democrats facing potential losses. The rise of the AfD and the newly established Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance illustrates a shift away from traditional political parties in the region.