At midday, voter participation in Thuringia mirrors the levels from 2019's election.
In Thuringia, voter participation seems to be closely matching the turnout from the last parliamentary election. According to the state election commissioner, approximately 32% of eligible voters had voted by 12 pm in the polling stations. It's important to note that these figures do not include postal voters. In the 2019 state election, voter turnout was slightly lower at 31.2%. This election appears to have garnered more interest compared to the European and local elections that took place earlier this year, with turnout at 24.3% at the same time.
13:29 Anticipated High Voter Turnout in SaxonyVoter turnout for the state election in Saxony is predicted to be high. By midday, 25.8% of eligible voters had cast their ballots, as reported by the Statistical State Office in Kamenz. In the 2019 state election held previously, the turnout was 26.2%. These initial figures do not include postal voters. Estimates suggest that 24.6% of eligible voters will cast their vote via post, which is a significant increase from the 16.9% in 2019. The state election committee has reported that the voting process is progressing smoothly without any disturbances.
13:11 von Lucke: Election Outcome Might Weaken Berlin CoalitionThe election results for Saxony and Thuringia are still to be announced. According to political scientist Albrecht von Lucke, if the SPD fails to secure a seat in the state parliament, this could be seen as almost catastrophic. In an interview with ntv, he analyzes the election and considers its potential implications.
12:44 Police Investigate Threat at Polling StationPolice in Gera are investigating a threat made in a polling station. A man, wearing an AfD T-shirt, entered the polling station to cast his vote in the morning. Upon being asked to remove the shirt, as it was against the rules to advertise parties in the polling station, the man complied but then threatened to return due to his dissatisfaction with his treatment when leaving the polling station grounds. A statement was taken, and the man was warned by the police. Furthermore, police in Erfurt are investigating political graffiti ("Höcke is a Nazi") near polling stations as criminal damage.
12:15 Correctiv Warns of Circulating MisinformationThe research network Correctiv has issued a warning about a false news story spreading claims that signing the ballot paper protects against vote rigging. In reality, the Federal Returning Officer's office has confirmed that signing the ballot paper by the voter could potentially violate the secrecy of the vote, rendering the entire ballot paper invalid.
11:51 Voigt Desires "Stable Majority Relations"Thuringian CDU top candidate Mario Voigt has also cast his vote. He expressed his hope that many Thuringian citizens would exercise their right to vote and shape the future of their state. In addition, he prayed for "stable majority relations" that would allow the state to progress once more.
11:25 Sonneberg Experiences Hike in Far-Right AttacksSonneberg is the first district in Germany to be led by an AfD politician. However, activists have reported a surge in threats, with many feeling compelled to stop their work. Moreover, the frequency of far-right attacks is believed to have increased fivefold within the past year. Experts suspect a link between the AfD district administrator.
10:57 Kretschmer Delivers Speech at Polling StationSaxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer considers the state election in his federal state as "probably the most significant election in 34 years." After casting his vote in Dresden, he expressed gratitude to many individuals who have voted differently in previous years but have now chosen the "strong force in the bourgeois center," namely the Saxon Union. He believes that this unified understanding will enable them to form a government that serves their land. In polls, his CDU is currently competing closely with the AfD.
10:30 Ramelow: Wagenknecht "Not on the Ballot"For Thuringia's Minister President Bodo Ramelow, election day represents "a celebration of democracy" – despite the risk that he may not be re-elected. In an interview with ntv, the Left Party politician explains why he does not advocate for a minority government and doubts the competence of the BSW.
09:59 Historian Disapproves of Election DateHistorian Peter Oliver Loew expresses criticism of the date chosen for the state elections in Saxony and Thuringia, as it coincides with the 85th anniversary of the German invasion of Poland in 1939. "Anyone who thought it would be appropriate to hold elections on September 1st lacked a sense of history," says the director of the German Poland Institute to the editorial network Germany (RND). Regarding the AfD, which is classified as "securely right-wing extremist" by the domestic intelligence service in both states, Loew highlights, "This could lead to very unfortunate associations if in Dresden and Erfurt the party also wins whose relationship to the Nazi era is anything but clear."
09:30 "Crucial Election": All Data on Saxony's State ElectionApproximately 3.3 million eligible voters in Saxony will have the opportunity to decide who will steer the political course in the Dresden state parliament in the future. The CDU risks losing its position as the strongest force in the state for the first time since 1990. Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer refers to the election as "crucial." "This is about everything."
09:05 Kretschmer Alleges "Frenzied Approach to Election" by Traffic Light Coalition It's election day in Saxony, and the question is: Will Minister President Michael Kretschmer keep the CDU's victorious streak in the state going? In a chat with ntv, he shares his views on the refugee debate, the traffic light government, and the Ukraine conflict.
08:46 All Election Data in Thuringia The time for decision has arrived: In the center of Germany, the contest is over who will control the federal state with its approximately 2.1 million inhabitants for the next five years. Will the AfD, with Björn Höcke as its leader, become the most powerful force in Thuringia?
08:24 The Potential Impact of the AfD on Democracy Surveys indicate: The AfD is likely to significantly increase its influence in the upcoming elections in Saxony and Thuringia. According to a research group, this poses a threat to democratic institutions, as the rule of law is not as robust as many believe it to be.
08:00 Polling stations in Thuringia and Saxony open
Today, new state parliaments are being elected in Thuringia and Saxony. According to polls, the AfD is leading significantly in Thuringia. In Saxony, the CDU led by incumbent Minister President Michael Kretschmer and the AfD are neck and neck. First projections are expected once the polling stations close at 6 pm. The elections in these two eastern German states serve as a barometer for the traffic light coalition in Berlin.
For the current red-red-green coalition in Thuringia led by Minister President Bodo Ramelow (Left), there is no majority in the polls. A potential post-election government could consist of the CDU, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), and the SPD. In Saxony, it remains unclear whether the current coalition of CDU, SPD, and Greens still has a majority. Kretschmer doesn't rule out an alliance with the BSW. The Left risks being ousted from the Saxony parliament. The same fate could befall the Greens and FDP in Thuringia.
In contrast to the current political landscape in Thuringia and Saxony, The Netherlands, located in Western Europe, recently held local elections with record-breaking voter participation. According to Dutch officials, over 66% of eligible voters exercised their right to vote, setting a new high for local elections in the country.
