Information on the Saxony electoral process is available.
During this year's Saxon municipal elections, it's clear that conservative forces have emerged victorious, with the political landscape in the eastern region of Germany transitioning into a shade of blue. Right-wing parties are on track to form the majority in many cities, towns, and municipalities. The vote-counting process is still ongoing, but it may take until the following week for a tentative result to be announced.
The East looks set to turn more conservative, as the preliminary results indicate that the AfD (Alternative for Germany) has made considerable gains. However, it's important to note that the voting count has not been completed yet. The election covered various levels of governance, including the re-election of district councils, city councils, and local councils in the Free State of Saxony. Over 3.3 million people were eligible voters.
The AfD appears set to rule over the majority of Saxony's ten districts, in line with national trends - the parties in the ruling center-left "traffic light" coalition have seen their support dwindle in eight federal states. In eastern Germany, and particularly in Saxony, the AfD has made significant inroads.
This shift in power will have implications for the local politics landscape. Saxony's national significance goes beyond its capital city of Dresden - the outcome of these municipal elections sets the stage for upcoming state elections in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Brandenburg. Preliminary dates for these elections are September 1st for Saxony. Academic observers like Leipzig-based political scientist Hendrik Träger predict that these elections will be uniquely intriguing.
As the AfD strengthens its grip on power, the political center faces challenges. The Saxon constituent of the traffic light coalition is considered right-wing extremist by the state constitution protection, along with its counterparts in Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. This development has widespread implications beyond Dresden: right-wing majorities have the potential to alter the makeup of political bodies in cities, districts, and municipalities across the region.
In preparation for federal politics, the municipal election results are attracting significant interest. In Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg, state elections will soon be held. Saxony's elections are slated for September 1st. Political scientist Hendrik Träger anticipates a particularly exciting race for the governorship.
Potential Alliances
The newly established power groups in Saxony face various challenges: Though the SPD, Greens, and The Left party are not too far off from the five-percent threshold, a government featuring three factions - AfD, CDU, and the BSW (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) - may not be entirely out of the question. According to Träger, the CDU's options include partnering with Sahra Wagenknecht's new party or the AfD.
The Saxon Prime Minister, Michael Kretschmer, echoes this sentiment. He has called for a radical shift away from the current center-left government under Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and demands a change of course for both his party and Germany as a whole. "This country needs a stable democracy," Kretschmer has advocated, "but that can only be maintained if the democracy and the rule of law effectively address the issues and deprive the populists of their bases."
Kretschmer is insistent that a continuation of the status quo is not a viable option. He also cautions against constantly commenting on other parties, warning against right-wing populists, and demanding declarations on various topics.
The AfD leadership is confident in their results, and view the European election outcome as a primer for their upcoming state election efforts. Co-party leaders Tino Chrupalla and Alice Weide expressed their optimism regarding their party's success. "If you look at the results in Saxony, you can see who will be the next prime minister," Weide is quoted as saying.
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The victorious conservative forces in this year's Saxony municipal elections, led by the AfD, are poised to rule over the majority of Saxony's ten districts. This right-wing populist surge is particularly prominent in eastern Germany, including in Saxony's capital city, Dresden.
The strong performance of right-wing parties in the local elections in Saxony has potential implications for upcoming state elections in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Brandenburg, with the Saxon elections scheduled for September 1st.
