Germany’s anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) is celebrating a “historic success”, with a big victory for the far-right party in the eastern state of Thuringia.
The result gives the far right its first win in a state parliament election since World War Two, although it has little hope of forming a government in Thuringia because other parties are unlikely to work with it.
The AfD’s top candidate in Thuringia, Björn Höcke, who is a highly controversial figure in Germany, hailed a “historic victory” and spoke of his great pride. He failed to win a direct mandate for the state parliament, but secured a seat because he was top of his party list.
highly controversial figure in Germany
Understatement of the year. Courts have repeatedly ruled that calling him fascist and Nazi is a factual statement. He has been sentenced multiple times for using Nazi rhetoric and symbols.
His local chapter of the AFD party has been labeled “assuredly right-wing extremist” by the Verfassungsschutz which again was upheld by court decision as well.
They’re not an “anti-immigration” party. They’re fascists, plain and simple.
Looking up “historic” election victories for the German far-right
Many attributed gains for the AfD with people voting out of protest. I think that explanation does not cut it anymore.
Over 30% of two German federal states voted far right out of conviction. You can no longer claim this is just protest. Wish I could say where it all went wrong, why a big chunk of east Germany rejects democracy and embraces this.
Dark days ahead for our democracy.
EDIT: the results in Saxony had to be corrected, robbing the AfD of the blocking minority size in parliament. Probably seeing a „they stole the vote“ form soon on social media.
Victory for some, big loss for all!
