18:56 Göring-Eckardt: Germany encounters a "democratic cheesemaker-effect" with AfD's prosperity
Harder than the Greens' loss in Thuringia, federal politicians are rattled by the AfD's rise in the state. Federal Green Bundestag Vice President Katrin Göring-Eckardt views the success of the right-wing extremists as a "game-changer" in Germany. Party leader Omid Nouripour feels the pain of his party's setback as "minor" in light of the AfD becoming the dominant force in a state parliament.
18:48 Kretschmer on Saxony: "We have every right to cheer" Current Saxon Minister President Michael Kretschmer sees the CDU as the backbone of the governing coalition. "We have every reason to celebrate," said Kretschmer at his party's victory party. "After five challenging years," the people of Saxony have placed their trust in the CDU rather than casting a protest vote. "We are aware of the people's disappointment with what's happening in Berlin."
18:39 Projection for Saxony: CDU's lead over AfD narrows Preliminary projections on ZDF suggest that the CDU's lead over the AfD in the Saxony state election has narrowed: The CDU now only almost matches the AfD with 31.9% to 31.3% of the votes cast. The BSW receives 11.6%, while the SPD earns 7.8%. The Greens could potentially secure a seat in the state legislature with 5.2%, while the Left falls short with 4.5%.
18:33 AfD chief Weidel asserts government participation for AfD AfD federal party leader Alice Weidel demands government participation for her party in Thuringia and Saxony. "Typically, under our nation's framework, the strongest party, which is the AfD, should initiate talks," Weidel states on ARD, referring to Thuringia. "The voter desires the AfD's involvement in the government. We garner 30% of the voters in both federal states, and a stable government is impossible without us."
18:30 SPD general secretary: "We were just barely able to avoid exiting the state parliaments" SPD general secretary Kevin Kühnert acknowledges the modest results of his party in the Thuringia and Saxony elections. "This isn't a night for celebration for the SPD," he said on ARD. "For years, our party has struggled. 'We nearly missed leaving the state parliaments,' noted Kühnert. 'Fighting is essential, we are necessary.'" A great deal must change, Kühnert suggests, mentioning: more transparency and addressing voter concerns. Upon inquiry about Chancellor Olaf Scholz, he replied: "We must present our politics together."
18:23 Höcke celebrates Thuringia results as "extraordinary triumph" AfD faction leader Björn Höcke views the Thuringia results as "extraordinary." The AfD is the leading popular party in the state, "the ridiculous firewall nonsense must end," said Höcke on MDR. Change will come only with the AfD.
18:23 Chrupalla on Thuringia: "We're virtually tied with the CDU" AfD party chief Tino Chrupalla interprets his party's result as remarkable, indicating a shift in political attitudes in both federal states, as stated by Chrupalla on ZDF. The AfD is ready to collaborate with all parties. "In Saxony, we are virtually neck and neck with the CDU," declares Chrupalla, expressing the goal to craft politics in the best interests for Saxony.
18:17 CDU Secretary-General: No Coalition with AfD CDU Secretary-General Carsten Linnemann has ruled out any coalitions between the CDU and AfD in Thuringia or Saxony. "We are unequivocal on this," he remarks on ARD. The CDU will now form governments from the center of parliament, he claims, and he is optimistic that this will be successful. The CDU, as the last surviving people's party, is the "bulwark," and the traffic light parties have been penalized.
18:13 Projection for Saxony: CDU Narrowly Leads AfD, BSW at 12 Percent, Greens Shaky The first projection for the Saxony state election shows the CDU as the winner with 31.5% of the votes cast, barely ahead of the AfD with 30%. The BSW emerges as the third largest party with 12%, while the SPD fights to maintain a seat in the state legislature at 8.5%. The Greens are on the brink, securing just 5.5%, and the Left fails to enter the parliament with 4%.
18:10 Projection for Thuringia: AfD Leads CDU, BSW at 16 Percent The initial projection for the Thuringia state election indicates a clear lead for the AfD with 30.5% of the votes, above the CDU with 24.5% and the Left with 12.5%. The SPD manages to remain in the state parliament with 7%, and the BSW is projected to join the state parliament with 16%. The Greens and the FDP remain unable to surpass 5%.
18:01 AfD Leads in Thuringia, BSW Breaks Double Digits in SaxonyAs per the initial projections following the regional vote in Thuringia, the AfD takes the lead, as anticipated. The SPD clears the 5% threshold, while the Greens and FDP fall short. In Saxony, the BSW achieves a double-digit score for the first time. The CDU just manages to surpass the AfD. According to the projection, the Left and the FDP are unlikely to secure representation in the state parliament, with the Greens set to continue their presence.
17:18 Hoecke's Seat Uncertain in Thuringia State ParliamentAFD faction leader in Thuringia, Bjorn Hoecke, may not secure a seat in the future state parliament. His successful colleagues could potentially jeopardize his chances. Several AFD candidates in constituencies boast strong prospects of winning a direct mandate. However, Hoecke finds himself in a tight race against CDU candidate Christian Tischner in his Greiz II constituency. If Tischner wins and the AFD secures more direct mandates than their entitlement from second votes, then no one can enter via the state list, not even from the first position, which Hoecke currently holds. In such a scenario, the AFD might persuade a successful direct candidate to relinquish their state parliament seat, thereby enabling Hoecke to claim his mandate.
16:48 Thuringia AFD Plans Media-Free CelebrationIt appears that there will be no media coverage of the Thuringia AFD's election party. Classified as right-wing extremist, the party attempted to exclude several media outlets from the event. However, a court blocked this, prompting the state party to exclude the entire press tier. A party representative attributed the situation to organizational issues: there isn't enough space at the event location for all media representatives who applied for accreditation.
16:29 One-quarter of Eligible Voters in Saxony Cast Ballots by MailFor the election that Saxony's CDU Minister President Michael Kretschmer termed a "crucial vote" for the state, nearly a quarter of eligible voters have already submitted their ballots by mail. The state election commissioner projects a 24.6% mail-in turnout. The turnout today was marginally higher than in 2019 in the early afternoon.
15:52 Höcke Votes in a Lada, Ramelow with WifeThuringia's AFD state leader and top contender, Bjoern Höcke, cast his vote at midday. The 52-year-old elected to vote at Bornhagen polling station in the Eichsfeld district. Meanwhile, Minister President Bodo Ramelow voted in the state capital of Erfurt. The 68-year-old cast his ballot with his wife, Germana Alberti von Hofe. He has been in charge of the Free State since 2014, leading a minority coalition without his own majority (briefly interrupted), most notably a coalition without a majority.
15:40 Higher Turnout than Last Election in ThuringiaIn Thuringia, 44.4% of voters had cast their ballots by 2:00 PM. This marked a considerable increase of more than two points compared to the last election five years ago. This suggests a high turnout. Mail-in voters are not yet included in these figures, according to the state election commissioner. In Saxony, turnout also saw a marginal increase, hitting 35.4% in the early afternoon. However, the election commissioner expects a much higher mail-in turnout than in 2019. Polling stations in both states are set to close at 6:00 PM.
15:13 Kretschmer Hopes for Continued Presence of Coalition Parties in State Parliament
14:40 Major Concerns and Problems Drive Nearly a Third to Vote for AfD in Upcoming ElectionsNearly a third of people in Saxony and Thuringia plan to cast their votes for the AfD in the upcoming elections on September 1st. A comprehensive survey helped shed light on the underlying reasons. It revealed numerous concerns and problems at the forefront of voters' minds, including, but not limited to, migration.
14:13 Höcke Quick to Leave Polling StationAt the Thuringia state election, AFD's top candidate Björn Höcke voted around midday. The far-right politician did not linger at the Bornhagen polling station and did not address journalists on site. Given that he had consistently lost to the CDU candidate in his home district of Eichsfeld, Höcke chose to switch constituencies to Greiz. However, he still faced defeat against the CDU in that district.
13:29 Anticipated Heavy Voter Participation in Saxony ElectionsHeavy voter turnout is predicted for the Saxony state elections. By noon, 25.8% of eligible voters had already cast their ballots, as per the Statistical State Office in Kamenz. During the 2019 state election, the percentage was slightly higher at 26.2%. The preliminary data does not include postal votes yet, with an estimated 24.6% of eligible voters expected to vote by post, compared to 16.9% in 2019. The elections are running smoothly in the morning without any disturbances, as reported by the election authority.
13:11 Von Lucke: Election Outcome Could Impact Berlin CoalitionThe results of the Saxony and Thuringia state elections are still pending. Political scientist Albrecht von Lucke suggests that if the SPD does not make it into the state parliament, it would be a major shock, stating in an interview with ntv. He discusses the election and its possible consequences.
12:44 Police Investigate Verbal Threat at Polling StationPolice in Gera are investigating a verbal threat directed at a polling station. A man wearing an AfD T-shirt entered the polling station to vote in the morning. After being asked to remove the partisan advertising, he reluctantly complied but threatened to return, expressing dissatisfaction with his treatment upon leaving the polling station area. Police took his statement and warned him. Additionally, police in Erfurt are investigating defamatory graffiti near polling stations as instances of criminal damage.
12:15 Warnings about False News CirculationResearch network Correctiv has issued warnings about a recurring false news story claiming that signing the ballot paper prevents vote rigging. However, the Federal Returning Officer's office confirms to Correctiv that "the ballot paper must not be signed. Signing the ballot paper by the voter negatively impacts the secrecy of the vote, leading to the entire ballot paper being deemed invalid."
11:51 Voigt Anticipates "Stable Majority Ratios"Thuringia's CDU top candidate Mario Voigt has also cast his vote. He expressed gratitude for the people who have chosen differently in the past but have now decided in favor of the "strong force in the bourgeois center," namely the Saxon Union. He hopes for "stable majority ratios" to allow the state to resume its progress.
11:25 Dramatic Increase in Right-wing Extremist Attacks in SonnebergSonneberg is the first district in Germany to be governed by an AfD politician. Activists have reported feeling intensely threatened since then, with many individuals being forced to leave their jobs. The number of right-wing extremist attacks in the area has also increased fivefold within a year. Experts attribute this to the AfD district administrator.
10:57 Kretschmer Speaks at the Polling StationSaxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer regards the state election in his federal state as "probably the most crucial election in 34 years." After casting his vote in Dresden, he expressed gratitude to those who have chosen differently in the past but have now decided for the "strong force in the bourgeois center," namely the Saxon Union. "This understanding will allow us to form a government that serves this land," Kretschmer continued, with his CDU currently engaged in a tight race with the AfD in polls.
10:30 Ramelow: "Wagenknecht is Not on the Ballot"Thuringia's Minister President Bodo Ramelow considers election day a "festival of democracy" - even if there's a risk he won't be re-elected. In an ntv interview, the Left Party politician explains why he does not recommend a minority government and why he doubts the competence of the BSW.
09:59 Criticisms Over Election Date on 85th Anniversary of Invasion of PolandHistorian Peter Oliver Loew criticizes the election date for the state elections in Saxony and Thuringia on the 85th anniversary of the German invasion of Poland in 1939. "The person who thought it was a good idea to hold elections on September 1st has no respect for history," says the director of the German Polish Institute to the Redaktionsnetz Deutschland (RND). Loew speaks about the AfD, which is classified as "securely right-wing extremist" by the domestic intelligence service in both states, pointing out that "this can lead to very unfortunate associations if a party wins in Dresden and Erfurt whose relationship to the NS era is anything but clear."
09:30 "Crucial Election": All Data on Saxony's State ElectionApproximately 3.3 million eligible voters in Saxony have the opportunity today to decide who will shape the political landscape in the Dresden state parliament in the future. The CDU is at risk of losing its position as the leading force in the state for the first time since 1990. Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer refers to the election as "crucial." "Today, it's about everything."
8:46 All Information Regarding the Election in ThuringiaToday's the big day: Situated in the heart of Germany, the state of Thuringia with about 2.1 million residents is determining who will hold power for the next five years. Will the AfD, led by their top candidate Björn Höcke, seize control?
8:24 Potential Ways the AfD Could Threaten DemocracyAccording to polls, the AfD looks set to substantially increase its presence in the forthcoming elections in Saxony and Thuringia. This could pose a threat to democratic institutions, as a research group has pointed out. Despite popular belief, the rule of law isn't as robust as it seems.
8:00 Polling Stations Open in Thuringia and SaxonyNew state parliaments are being voted on today in both Thuringia and Saxony. Based on polls, the AfD is leading in Thuringia. In Saxony, the CDU of incumbent Michael Kretschmer and the AfD are running neck and neck. We should expect the first projections around 6 p.m., when polling stations close. The elections in these two eastern German states serve as a barometer for the traffic light coalition in Berlin.
The current Thuringian coalition, led by Minister President Bodo Ramelow (Left), doesn't have a majority, according to the polls. A potential post-election government could be a coalition of the CDU, Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), and the SPD. In Saxony, it's unclear whether the current coalition of CDU, SPD, and Greens will manage to maintain their majority. Kretschmer hasn't ruled out collaboration with the BSW. The Left Party in Saxony faces the prospect of being kicked out of parliament. The same fate could befall the Greens and FDP in Thuringia.
The Elections to the Landtag of Thuringia have caused concerns among federal politicians, with the AfD making significant gains in the state. Green Bundestag Vice President Katrin Göring-Eckardt views this success as a "game-changer" in Germany.
Following the Elections to the Landtag of Thuringia, the AfD is demanding government participation in both Thuringia and Saxony, asserting that they should initiate talks as the strongest party in both states. AfD federal party leader Alice Weidel made this statement on ARD, referring to Thuringia.
