Scholars expressing indignation over chosen election date
Historian Peter Oliver Loew expressed concerns over 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. Loew deemed it historically insensitive to hold elections on September 1st and stated, "Anyone who thought this was a good idea has no understanding of history."
Regarding the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is classified as "undeniably far-right" in both states, Loew warned that their potential victories in Dresden and Erfurt could bear "unpleasant connotations," given their ambiguous links to the Nazi era.
German Air Force Targets City
Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, symbolized the commencement of World War II. Prior to the bombardment of Westerplatte in Danzig, the German Air Force carried out an aerial assault on the town of Wielun, situated near the German-Polish border. Rough estimations suggest that as many as 1,200 civilians perished from this single attack.
Sunday sees the election of new state parliaments in Thuringia and Saxony. In Thuringia, the AfD appears to be in the lead according to polls. In Saxony, the CDU, headed by state premier Michael Kretschmer, and the AfD are neck and neck. Preliminary results are expected to emerge at 6 pm, once polling stations close.
The incumbent coalition government in Thuringia, headed by Minister President Bodo Ramelow (Left Party), is predicted not to secure a majority. A potential new administration could emerge following the elections, with the CDU, BSW (led by Sahra Wagenknecht), and the SPD as potential coalition parties. In Saxony, the future of the current coalition formed by the CDU, SPD, and Greens remains uncertain. Kretschmer has not ruled out a coalition with the BSW.
The concerns raised by historian Peter Oliver Loew about the election date in Saxony and Thuringia echo the historical sensitivity surrounding right-wing extremism, given the anniversary of Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939. If the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, known for its far-right leanings, gains significant victories in Dresden and Erfurt, it may lead to unpleasant reminders of Germany's Nazi past, highlighting the potential for right-wing extremism to resurface.
