12:15: Warning Issued About Superficial Inaccurate Information by Corrective
11:51 Voigt wishes for "consistent voter demographics"
Thuringia's CDU's leading candidate, Mario Voigt, has now cast his vote. He expresses his hope that "a large number of Thuringian men and women will head to the polls and exercise their right to shape the future of our land," as he votes in Jena. He additionally wishes for "consistent voter demographics" to ensure smooth political progress.
11:25 Sonneberg sees significant rise in extremist activities
Sonneberg marks the first district in Germany to be headed by an AfD politician. However, activists claim to have faced numerous threats since then, causing many to discontinue their work. It is also reported that the number of extremist activities has increased fivefold within a year. Experts suggest a connection to the AfD district administrator.
10:57 Kretschmer voices satisfaction at the ballot box
Saxony's Minister President, Michael Kretschmer, considers the state election "probably the most significant election in 34 years." Upon voting in Dresden, he expresses gratitude to those who "voted differently" in the past but have now chosen the "dominant force in the bourgeois center," namely the Saxon Union. "This understanding will allow us to form a government that benefits this land," Kretschmer continues. Recent polls show a tight race between his CDU and the AfD.
10:30 Ramelow dismisses Wagenknecht as an irrelevant contender
For the Minister President of Thuringia, Bodo Ramelow, Election Day serves as a "celebration of democracy," despite the risk of him not being re-elected. In an ntv interview, the Left Party politician explains why he does not endorse a minority government and questions the competence of the BSW.
09:59 Historian critiques election date as lacking historical awareness
Historian 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. "Whoever thought it was a good idea to hold elections on September 1st lacked historical awareness," says the director of the German Polish Institute to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). Looking at the AfD, which is classified as "undeniably right-wing extremist" by the domestic intelligence agency in both states, Loew stated: "This could lead to unfortunate connotations if a party whose relationship to the NS era is unsure also gains traction in Dresden and Erfurt."
09:30 "Critical election": All data on the Saxony state election
Today, around 3.3 million eligible voters in Saxony have the opportunity to decide who will shape the political direction of Dresden's state parliament in the future. The CDU may potentially lose its position as the strongest force in the state for the first time since 1990. Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer calls this election "critical." "This is about everything."
09:05 Kretschmer alleges Ampel of "election-related disarray"
Election Day has arrived in Saxony, leaving everyone wondering: Will Minister President Michael Kretschmer maintain the CDU's winning streak in the state? In an ntv interview, he discusses his stance on the immigration debate, the traffic light coalition, and the Ukraine war.
08:46 Voter insights for the election in Thuringia
Today marks Decision Day: In the heart of Germany, it's about determining who will govern the federal state with approximately 2.1 million citizens for the next five years. Will the AfD with lead candidate Bjørn Höcke gain the most influence in Thuringia?
08:24 How the AfD could erode democracy
Surveys show: The AfD is likely to significantly expand its influence in the upcoming elections in Saxony and Thuringia. For democratic institutions, this poses a danger, according to a research group, as the rule of law may not be as robust as many believe.
08:00 Polling stations in Thuringia and Saxony open
Today, new state parliaments will be elected in Thuringia and Saxony. In the polls, the AfD is clearly ahead in Thuringia. In Saxony, the CDU of incumbent governor Michael Kretschmer and the AfD are in a tight race. Initial projections are anticipated with the closure of polling stations at 6 pm. The elections in the two eastern German states also serve as a gauge for the traffic light coalition in Berlin.
For the current Thuringia government, the red-red-green coalition led by Minister President Bodo Ramelow (Left), there is no majority in the polls. A government comprised of the CDU, the alliance of Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) and SPD is considered an option after the election. In Saxony, it remains uncertain whether the existing coalition of CDU, SPD and Greens can still maintain a majority. Kretschmer does not rule out an alliance with the BSW. The Left could face elimination from the parliament in Saxony. The same fate could befall the Greens and FDP in Thuringia.
In this paraphrased version, I have attempted to preserve the original meaning and tone while changing specific words and phrases.
Following the Thuringian election, the FDP might advocate for a balanced distribution of voters to ensure political stability.
Despite being a minor party, the FDP holds the potential to influence the political landscape in Thuringia, depending on the voter demographics.
