In the region of Saxony, a notable increase in citizens casting their ballots.
In the Saxony and Thuringia local elections, a high voter turnout is anticipated. By noon, 25.8% of eligible voters had voted, as reported by the State Statistical Office in Kamenz. In the 2019 local elections, the figure was 26.2% at the same time. The provisional figures do not yet account for postal voters. It is estimated that 24.6% of eligible voters will vote by mail, compared to 16.9% in 2019. According to the local election office, the voting process is running smoothly in the morning with no disruptions.
13:11 From Lucke: Election outcome could weaken Berlin coalitionThe election results in Saxony and Thuringia are still pending. If the SPD fails to secure a seat in the state parliament, political scientist Albrecht von Lucke suggests it would "virtually cause an earthquake." In an interview with ntv, he analyzes the election and its implications.
12:44 Police investigate incident at polling stationFollowing an event at a polling station in Gera, the police are investigating a case of intimidation. A man wearing an AfD T-shirt entered the polling station to cast his vote in the morning, as reported by a police spokesman. The polling station manager then requested the man to remove his shirt, as party advertising was prohibited within the polling station. Although the man complied, he threatened to return, expressing dissatisfaction with his treatment. The police then took a statement and warned the man. Additionally, the police in Erfurt are investigating cases of political graffiti ("Höcke is a Nazi") near polling stations for vandalism.
12:15 Correctiv cautions against spreading false newsThe research network Correctiv warns of a recurring false claim. It claims that signing the ballot paper protects against electoral fraud. In fact, the Office of the Federal Returning Officer confirmed to Correctiv: "The ballot paper must not be signed. Signing the ballot paper by the voter puts the secrecy of the vote at risk, making the entire ballot paper invalid."
11:51 Voigt hopes for "stable majority ratios"The top CDU candidate for Thuringia, Mario Voigt, has already cast his vote. He expressed gratitude to many voters who "decided differently" in recent years but have now chosen the "strong force in the bourgeois center," referring to the Saxon Union. Voigt also hopes for "stable majority ratios" to enable the country to progress again.
10:57 Kretschmer Speaks at the Polling StationSaxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer called the state election "probably the most important election in 34 years." Upon casting his vote in Dresden, he thanked many individuals who "voted differently" in recent years but have now chosen the "great force in the bourgeois center," namely the Saxon Union. "This understanding will enable a government formation that serves this land," Kretschmer continued. In polls, his CDU is currently tied with the AfD.
10:30 Ramelow: Wagenknecht "Not on the Ballot"For Thuringia's Minister President Bodo Ramelow, election day is "a celebration of democracy," even if there's a chance he won't be re-elected. In an ntv interview, the Left Party politician explained why he doesn't recommend a minority government and why he doubts the competence of the BSW.
09:59 "No Good Feelings for History" - Historian Displeased with Election DateHistorian 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 had no good feelings for history," said Loew, director of the German Polish Institute, to the Editorial Network Germany (RND). Looking at the AfD, which is classified as "securely right-wing extremist" by the domestic intelligence service in both states, Loew said, "This could lead to very unfortunate associations if a party whose relationship to the NS era is anything but clear also wins in Dresden and Erfurt."
09:30 "Crucial Election": All Data for the Saxony State ElectionApproximately 3.3 million eligible voters in Saxony have the opportunity to decide who will shape the political direction of the Dresden state parliament in the future. The CDU could lose its position as the leading party in the state for the first time since 1990. Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer referred to the election as "crucial." "This is about everything."
09:05 Kretschmer Accuses Traffic Light Coalition of "Pre-Election Chaos"It's election day in Saxony, and the question is: Will Minister President Michael Kretschmer continue the winning streak of the CDU in the state? In an ntv interview, he expressed his views on the refugee debate, the traffic light government, and the Ukraine war.
8:24 How the AfD Could Challenge DemocracyAccording to surveys, the AfD is predicted to significantly strengthen its position in the forthcoming elections in Saxony and Thuringia. This is concerning for democratic establishments, as a research team has highlighted. Since the legal system might not be as robust as many assume.
8:00 Polling Stations commence in Thuringia and SaxonyNew state parliaments are being chosen in Thuringia and Saxony today. Based on the polls, the AfD holds a clear lead in Thuringia. In Saxony, the CDU headed by state leader Michael Kretschmer and the AfD are neck and neck. Preliminary results are expected once the polling stations close at 6 p.m. The elections in these two eastern federal states also serve as a temperature check for the traffic light coalition in Berlin.
For the current Thuringian ruling coalition, led by Minister President Bodo Ramelow (Left Party) and the red-red-green alliance, there's no majority according to the polls. A possible post-election scenario is a government comprising the CDU, the alliance led by Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), and the SPD. In Saxony, it's uncertain if the current coalition of CDU, SPD, and Greens will preserve its majority. Kretschmer hasn't ruled out an alliance with the BSW. The Left Party confronts the risk of being excluded from the Saxony parliament. The same outcome could befall the Greens and FDP in Thuringia.
Elections to the Landtag of Thuringia are being held today, along with the local elections in Saxony. The outcome of these elections could significantly impact the political landscape in both states.
If the current Thuringian ruling coalition, led by Minister President Bodo Ramelow (Left Party) and the red-red-green alliance, fails to secure a majority in the Thuringian Landtag, as suggested by the polls, a potential post-election scenario could involve a government composed of the CDU, the alliance led by Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), and the SPD.
