The AfD garners significant territorial victories in the eastern regions.

Local Governments - The AfD garners significant territorial victories in the eastern regions.

A sociologist and expert on extremism, Matthias Quent, predicts similar outcomes for the upcoming state elections in Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg based on recent European and municipal results in the east. He doesn't believe it's all doom and gloom, though, saying there's still potential for other parties to make a difference. He cites the example of Thuringia's county elections, where AfD's strong presence was counteracted by a unified effort from other parties.

In Quent's view, the AfD has gained considerable ground in the east and further solidified its local presence. Their strategy of normalizing themselves at a local level could potentially lead to closer cooperation at a state level. This shift could be considered a significant move to the right for municipalities. Despite this, he acknowledges the AfD's strong showing in the European elections, as well as their number one spot in many local polls.

While there are certainly radical elements within the AfD's voter base, Quent believes the surge in support needs to be addressed by engaging with those who feel neglected by traditional parties. "You can't reach the extremists with idealistic politics," he notes, pointing out that the recent votes weren't entirely driven by hardline right-wing extremists. Many working-class individuals and employees felt underrepresented by other parties and, as a result, cast their ballots for the AfD.

The Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) made significant inroads in the recent polls, securing up to 15% of the vote in the east. Quent views this as a promising development for the party ahead of the State elections in eastern Germany. It's important to remember that while it's necessary to fight against the erosion of democratic values, demonizing the AfD could risk driving more people towards it.

Read also:

1. The German Press Agency reported on Matthias Quent's predictions of potential AfD victories in Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg based on recent election results.
2. In Brandenburg's municipal elections, the AfD saw significant territory gains, echoing a trend observed in other eastern German regions.
3. When discussing the EU elections, Quent acknowledged the AfD's strong showing and dominant position in many local polls, including in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Saxony-Anhalt.
4. The German political landscape has been shaped by the AfD's increased influence in municipalities across Europe and various states within Germany, such as Brandenburg and Thuringia.
5. The successful strategy of the AfD in normalizing itself at a local level has been a major factor in their territorial victories in municipalities across Germany, including Magdeburg.
6. The upcoming state elections in Saxony present an opportunity for the AfD to build on their momentum and further solidify their position in the East German political landscape.
7. As the local political landscape shifts to the right, major parties like the CDU and SPD are now dealing with the consequences of a more politically divided Germany, from Saxony to Brandenburg and beyond.
8. The German Order of Cities and Municipalities, representing municipalities across Germany, including Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt, has been closely monitoring the developments of the AfD and their impact on local governance.

• Tough return to normality in snow and ice
• Steinmeier joined a moment of silence - a legal battle over an AfD protest.
• German national soccer team on their way to participate in the European Championship qualifying matches.
• The flooding has lessened, but the aftermath of mud remains.