- Scholzexpresses disappointment over the outcomes of the election held on Sunday.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) expressed disappointment over the election outcomes in Thuringia and Saxony, calling them "tough to swallow." Despite this, he was glad that the "pessimistic forecasts," suggesting the SPD might fail to surpass the 5% threshold, didn't materialize.
"The election results today are tough - for us too. But here's the silver lining: SPD has managed to maintain its ground. We've fought a solid and transparent campaign," Scholz stated, posting his initial reaction on Instagram as a Bundestag member. "It proves: Perseverance pays off. Now it's about consistently aiming for more and new support."
In these elections, the SPD recorded its worst performances in Saxony and Thuringia since 1990, securing 7.3% and 6.1% respectively. In Thuringia, the result was the party's all-time worst in any state election.
Scholz expressed grave concern regarding the AfD's performance in both Saxony and Thuringia. Identified as a far-right extremist group, the AfD garnered more than 30% of the votes in both states. "Germany cannot and must not get used to this," Scholz asserted. "The AfD is hurting Germany, it's damaging our economy, fueling societal division, and tarnishing our nation's reputation. All democratic parties are now tasked with forming robust governments without the involvement of far-right extremists."
Scholz responded to the election results quicker this time around compared to the SPD's defeat in the European election, where they notched their worst result in a national election in 130 years, managing only 13.9% in May. Back then, Scholz only commented on the matter the next day at an international press conference, which also sparked controversy within the SPD. It's plausible that Scholz decided to share his response this time around as a Bundestag member since elections and partisan activities are typically handled by the party.
TheAfD's impressive performance in Saxony and Thuringia, securing over 30% of the votes in both states, caused significant concern for Chancellor Scholz. All democratic parties now have the responsibility to form governments without the involvement of far-right extremists like The AfD.
