11:25 Observes an escalating wave of right-wing aggressions in Sonneberg.
Sonneberg is the first district in Germany to be governed by an AfD politician, leading to numerous complaints from activists. They've reportedly faced numerous threats, resulting in several abandoning their work. Furthermore, the number of far-right incidents has reportedly escalated fivefold within a year. Experts link this surge to the AfD district administrator.
10:57 Kretschmer talks at the polling stationSaxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer considers the current state election "possibly the most crucial election in 34 years." After casting his vote in Dresden, he thanks people who "chose differently" in the past but have now opted for the "major power in the mainstream center," namely the Saxon Union. "This attitude will facilitate a government formation that benefits this land," Kretschmer adds. According to polls, his CDU is locked in a close race with the AfD.
10:30 Ramelow: Wagenknecht "isn't on the ballot"Thuringia's Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow deems election day a "celebration of democracy" - even if he might not secure reelection. In an ntv interview, the Left Party politician discusses why he doesn't support a minority government and why he's skeptical about the BSW's abilities.
09:59 "Not feeling great about history" - Historian disapproves of election dateHistorian Peter Oliver Loew criticizes the election date for the state elections in Saxony and Thuringia, which coincides with the 85th anniversary of Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939. According to him, "someone who thought it was a good idea to hold elections on September 1st clearly lacks an appreciation for history." Loew points out the AfD's classification as "unalterably right-wing extremist" by the German domestic intelligence service in both states, which he says could lead to unfortunate comparisons if both the AfD and a right-wing party win in Dresden and Erfurt.
09:30 "Crucial election": All facts related to the Saxony electionOver 3.3 million eligible voters in Saxony vote today to determine who will shape the political landscape of the Dresden state parliament in the future. The CDU might lose its position as the leading force in the state for the first time since 1990. According to Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer, this election is "crucial." "Everything is at stake."
09:05 Kretschmer accuses the traffic light coalition of "hasty decisions ahead of the election"Election day in Saxony arrives, and Michael Kretschmer aims to continue the CDU's winning streak in the state. In an ntv interview, he discusses his views on the refugee debate, the traffic light coalition, and Ukraine.
08:46 All the data on the election in ThuringiaToday, the individuals of the approximately 2.1 million-populated central German federal state choose their future governing body. Will the AfD, led by top candidate Björn Höcke, emerge as the most powerful force in Thuringia?
08:24 How the AfD could threaten democracyResearch shows the likelihood of the AfD significantly increasing its influence in the upcoming elections in Saxony and Thuringia. Experts argue that the rule of law is more vulnerable than people assume.
08:00 Polling stations open in Thuringia and SaxonyToday, new state parliaments are being elected in Thuringia and Saxony. According to polls, the AfD is leading in Thuringia. In Saxony, the CDU and AfD are in a close race. Initial projections are expected around 18:00 when the polling stations close. The elections in these two eastern German states serve as a gauge for Berlin's traffic light coalition.
For the current red-red-green coalition led by Thuringia's Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow (Left), a majority is not likely in polls. A possible post-election outcome is a coalition with the CDU, BSW, and SPD. In Saxony, it remains uncertain if the current coalition of CDU, SPD, and Greens still holds a majority. Kretschmer doesn't exclude an alliance with the BSW. The Left party faces the risk of being excluded from the Saxony parliament. The same fate could befall the Greens and FDP in Thuringia.
The Commission might need to investigate the increasing number of far-right incidents in Sonneberg, given that they have reportedly escalated fivefold within a year and are linked to the AfD district administrator. It's important for The Commission to ensure the safety and well-being of activists who have faced numerous threats and abandonments due to being governed by an AfD politician in Sonneberg.
