Can far-right Alternative for Germany govern after first state election win ? | DW News

The far-right Alternative for Germany party has won its first ever state election in the eastern state of Thuringia. It's the biggest electoral victory for the German far-right since the Second World War.

Exit polls put the far-right AfD far ahead of its rivals in Thuringia and on course for major gains in Saxony. The votes in the two German states are seen as barometers for the federal elections next year.

All other mainstream political parties in Germany have previously maintained that they wouldn't form a government with the AfD, but Thuringia AfD leader Bjorn Höcke has said that with his party in first place, it should be up to him to try and form a coalition.

The recently formed left-wing, anti-immigration Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance also performed well coming in third place on both states. With the fledgling party's policy priorities not fully clear, it could still enter government.

00:00 AfD wins big in Thuringia and Saxony elections
00:37 Chief International Editor Richard Walker on national implications
03:06 Election projections in Thuringia
04:26 Chief Political Correspondent Nina Haase on Thuringia results
10:22 Matthew Moore from an anti-AfD protest in Thuringia
13:12 Election projections from Saxony
14:34 Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner explains Saxony results

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[funkydanieluk]

The other parties will block them from power, and anger will keep growing.

[FernandoPerezh]

After the Solingen incident, there's not doubt why they won.

[guyh]

Former Australian PM John Howard said over two decades ago, if a government wants the people to maintain confidence in the immigration system it must maintain control of its borders.
Australians warned Europeans in 2015 that open borders immigration systems do not work but no one listened.

[bravevoice]

I wouldn't call "anti-immigration policies" as far right. In Germany's case, it seems more like conservative common sense.

[Alexandrenure]

Democracy at the best, people vote for a party which will represent them !

[kchannel]

What happened in Italy, a right party came in. What happened in Netherlands, some rights came in. What happened in France, away from the traditional conservative and more left party. It's not just Germany where there is a big change in political parties but multiple European countries. So the people are voting differently because they are unhappy with how things were currently running.

If within a company the CEO isn't performing on his goals, the shareholders are voting him off.

[kingericson]

Instead of hating on people who vote differently than you, why dont you look and understand why they are voting the way they are

[pdballerina]

Not wanting to be stabbed is far right 🙄

[benjaminlamey]

It amazes me how every analyst goes for everything about BSW and AFD but the fact that they oppose globalisation of the economy. capitalism and its reporters is doing all it can to hide the fact that the people oppose its core policy.
The antiglobalisation is doing almost 50% despite being repeatedly described as extremist, prety concerning for financial capitalism.
The left party has bandonned the rural areas to focus on the cities, like the SPD and the greens. in teh areas where the public services and the jobs left, people do not feel represented by the governing parties. they have nothing from germany a part from the taxes. no wonder they want to change the things.

[uzrrfiw]

I can understand the popularity for the AFD. Here in Ireland the main parties allowing more and more unvetted in. More & more stabbings. If you speak about this concern you are labeled far right & the focus is on curtailing free speech. Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪

[ragnarruckus]

Tonight’s drinking game: one shot of whiskey every time DW says “far right” without giving an example of what that allegedly means.

[emrecanarduc]

>far right
>look into
>just conservative and patriotic

[MarkJohnson-zyfd]

Would be better if DW and commentators would talk about the issues the AfD is bringing up and taking position on. Stop name calling and creating fear.

[thepax]

The "far-right" wouldn't be so successful, if the weren't so stubborn in ignoring the demands of the voters.
Their ideology and appeasement towards their radical individual party-base, will be their own undoing.
Listen to the voters, for example in matters of migration and economy, or vanish into obscurity.
Its as simple as that 🤷🏻‍♀️

[MNN-sh]

I don't care about sides, but think for a minute, if people want a change is because the current status isn't working.

[oua]

I’m scared of where the world is heading… I left my home Ukraine in 2022, I’m heartbroken that my country still in war, but I also fear of where world would be in near years. Is there any escape from crazy people doing crazy things in government ? How come people forget what is tyranny ? Come to Ukraine u will get a reminder of horrors which can happen once democracy ( or rather never existed there ) is gone in neighbour state who attacks us 💔

[SteveNanda]

Listen to the people before it’s too late

[jurigagarin]

Far right in Germany just means conservative.

[Jimmy-wliw]

As an observer from USA, appreciate the education and update. 🇺🇸🇩🇪

[neildepoy]

The Socialist or Communist parties will never let normal people lead.