The Conservative Democratic Union currently holds a substantial lead.
6:21 PM Thu: CDU Leads Over AfD in Saxony According to Preliminary Results
Preliminary data from ARD and ZDF suggest the CDU is leading the AfD in Saxony. Both Infratest Dimap (ARD) and the Research Group Wahlen (ZDF) concur, placing the CDU approximately one percentage point ahead. The CDU is projected to garner 31.5 to 31.8 percent of the votes, while the AfD is expected to receive 30.4 to 30.8 percent. Initially, the Research Group Wahlen revealed a tight race between the CDU and AfD, but the AfD inched closer after a narrow CDU lead. In contrast, ARD consistently showed the CDU far ahead.
6:21 PM Thu: Ramelow's Wish for the Night Unlikely to Come True
The Left Party ends up in significant losses during the Thuringia state elections, leading to the possibility of incumbent Minister President Bodo Ramelow stepping down. Ramelow's wish for the night—preventing the AfD from securing a third of all votes and blocking decisions with a two-thirds majority—seems unlikely to materialize. The AfD appears to have achieved this target.
6:13 PM Thu: SPD in Single Digits, Klingbeil Stays with Scholz
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil reassured Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the party's ongoing support despite poor results in the Thuringia and Saxony state elections. In an interview with ZDF, Klingbeil said, "As federal chairman of the party, I expect everyone to work harder now than before." The party must collectively strive to regain voter support, Klingbeil added.
6:02 PM Thu: Kubicki: "Traffic Light Coalition Has Lost Its Mandate"
Following the poor performance of the coalition parties in the Saxony and Thuringia elections, FDP deputy chairman Wolfgang Kubicki called for consequences for the federal coalition. "The election results demonstrate: The traffic light coalition has lost its mandate," Kubicki tweeted. If a substantial portion of voters reject the coalition in such a manner, it should have consequences. The people believe "this coalition is hurting the country," Kubicki said. The FDP failed to exceed the 5 percent threshold in both elections and is currently projected to receive around 1 percent of the votes.
5:41 PM Thu: Höcke Misses Direct Seat in Thuringia
The AfD's faction leader, Björn Höcke, failed to secure a direct seat in the Thuringia state parliament. According to ntv information, the party will ensure Höcke's placement in the state parliament by having another AfD MP step down in his favor.
20:37 Saxony: Left Party Likely to Secure State Parliament Seats Despite 4% SetbackDespite losing significant ground, the Left Party is likely to secure seats in the Saxony state parliament. Although they didn't clear the 5% threshold with second votes, they're projected at 4.3% by ZDF. However, two Left Party direct candidates in Leipzig districts are comfortably leading their opponents. Two direct mandates could potentially secure the Left Party a few seats in the new state parliament. These two potential winners could also secure the top spots on their party's state list, preventing the current coalition of CDU, SPD, and Greens from obtaining a majority, making it necessary for Minister-President Kretschmer to rely on the BSW for a governing majority.
20:28 Thuringia: AfD Continues to GainIn the current ZDF projection for Thuringia's election results, the AfD is further increasing its result, reaching 33.4% of the votes. The CDU is sitting at 23.8%, the SWB at 15.5%, the Left Party at 11.9%, the SPD at 6.0%, and the Greens at 3.4%. The FDP fails to reach 1.2%.
20:17 Saxony: CDU's Lead Over AfD ThinAccording to the current ZDF projection, the CDU in Saxony leads the AfD by a razor-thin margin. The Christian Democrats are at 31.5%, the AfD, classified as right-wing extremist by the domestic intelligence agency, at 31.4%. In Thuringia, the AfD has left the CDU far behind in the projections. The Greens are currently at 5.1% in Saxony and are at risk of losing their parliamentary seats. The Left Party has little chance with a projected 4.3%. The SPD is secure in the state parliament with 7.6%.
19:56 Thuringia: Höcke's Direct Mandate in DangerIn the Thuringia election, the direct entry of AfD faction leader Björn Höcke into the state parliament is in danger. After 68 of 74 electoral districts have been counted, the CDU candidate Christian Tischner is leading with 42.3% of the votes, ahead of Höcke who has 40.4%. If Tischner wins the majority of votes in the Greiz II constituency, Höcke will fail to secure a direct mandate and will have to rely on a seat in parliament via the state list, which he leads. However, if many AfD candidates are successful as direct candidates, no one will get into parliament via the state list.
6:50 PM Höcke on AfD's victory: "The firewall strategy has fallen flat"In Thuringia, the AfD is set to be the dominant force in the state legislature. According to the leading candidate Björn Höcke, the "firewall strategy" has failed. During an interview with ntv, he described the election outcome as a "historic achievement" and discussed potential government negotiations.
6:42 PM Ramelow: The Left Party has been "denounced"Thuringia's Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow attributes the "denunciation" of his Left Party to two factors: "First, a CDU that has consistently equated the AfD and the Left, pushing 'exclusionism' in our direction, despite collaborating with us to govern for five years," said the leader in an interview with ntv. Another reason for the fall of the Left, according to Ramelow, was "an BSW that predicted it would secure 17% of the votes for the AfD, only to see those votes switch to the AfD instead." However, Ramelow could still take comfort in the high voter turnout.
6:26 PM Nouripour on AfD's victory: "My thoughts are with those who are concerned"The AfD wins more than 30% in both Saxony and Thuringia's state elections, leaving the coalition parties trailing behind. Green Party leader Omid Nouripour views the AfD's election results as a "turning point" and a mandate to defend democracy together.
6:13 PM Latest projection for Saxony: CDU's victory is getting closerThe latest ZDF projection demonstrates the AfD and the CDU in a dead heat: The Christian Democrats lead with 31.7%, only barely ahead of the AfD with 31.4% of the votes cast. The BSW earns 11.4%, while the SPD secures 7.8%. The Greens appear to be more assured of a seat in the state parliament with 5.5%, while the Left trails behind with 4.3%.
6:08 PM Wagenknecht aims to form a coalition with CDU and potentially SPD in ThuringiaBSW leader Sahra Wagenknecht is pursuing a coalition with the CDU and possibly the SPD in Thuringia. "We strongly hope that we will be able to form a good government with the CDU, perhaps also with the SPD," stated Wagenknecht on ARD. The people desired a stable majority government after five years of minority government, which would tackle pressing issues like "severe teacher shortages" in Thuringia, the BSW leader insisted. Concurrently, the people wanted a state government that would advocate for "peace, diplomacy" and against the deployment of US missiles in Germany. The idea of partnering with the AfD was ruled out by the party chairwoman for Thuringia.
6:02 PM Latest projection for Thuringia: AfD's success continues to growA ZDF projection for Thuringia's election result suggests the AfD's success continues to grow. According to this, the right-wing extremists achieve 33.1% of the votes in the state, with the CDU trailing behind at 24.3%. Wagenknecht's alliance generates 15% from scratch. The Left, who currently still have Bodo Ramelow as the popular Minister-President, loses nearly 8 percentage points and hovers around 11.7%. The SPD comes in at 6.6%, while the Greens net 4% of the votes.
5:56 PM Goring-Eckardt: AfD's success is a "democratic shockwave" in GermanyGreens Bundestag Vice President Katrin Goring-Eckardt considers the AfD's success in Thuringia a "shockwave" for Germany. Party leader Omid Nouripour views his party's disappointment as "minor" given that the AfD has become the dominant force in a state parliament.
5:48 PM Kretschmer on Saxony: "We Have Every Reason to Celebrate"Saxony's incumbent Minister President Michael Kretschmer views the CDU as the backbone of the government coalition. "We have every reason to celebrate," said Kretschmer at his party's celebration. "We've completed five grueling years," he added, mentioning that the Saxon people have placed their trust in the CDU rather than engaging in a protest vote. "We're well aware of the people's frustration with what's happening in Berlin."
5:39 PM Preliminary Result for Saxony: CDU's lead over AfD narrowsAccording to preliminary projections on ZDF, the CDU's lead over the AfD in Saxony's state election has narrowed: the CDU now only barely leads with 31.9%, while the AfD follows closely with 31.3% of the votes cast. The BSW earns 11.6%, while the SPD takes 7.8%. The Greens may secure a seat in the state parliament with 5.2%, while the Left misses the 5% threshold with 4.5%.
18:33 Weidel Claims Government Role for AfD in Thuringia, SaxonyAFD federal party chairman Alice Weidel claims a role in the government for her party in Thuringia and Saxony. She states on ARD that under normal circumstances, the strongest party, which is the AFD, should initiate exploratory talks. "The voter wants the AFD to be involved in the government," Weidel explains. "We secure 30% of the voters in both federal states, and without us, a stable government is not even possible."
18:30 Kuhnert Acknowledges SPD's Modest Results, Mentioned Risk of Exit from State ParliamentsSPD Secretary General Kevin Kuhnert admitted his party's modest results in the Thuringia and Saxony elections. "This is not a celebration night for the SPD," he stated on ARD. Despite their difficulties, his party managed to avoid expulsion from the state parliaments. "Fighting is worth it, we are needed," Kuhnert said, adding that changes are required, such as providing more explanation and listening to voters. When asked about Chancellor Olaf Scholz, he said, "We need to explain our politics together."
18:23 Höcke Hails Thuringia Result as "Historic Victory"AFD faction leader Björn Höcke views the Thuringia result as "historic." The AFD is the number one people's party in the federal state, he said on MDR. "The silly firewall nonsense must end," Höcke added, implying that change will only come with the AFD.
18:21 Chrupalla Proud of Thuringia Result, Seeks Talks with All PartiesAFD party leader Tino Chrupalla regarded his party's result as sensational, with voters' will signaling political change in both federal states. The AFD is open to talks with all parties. "In Saxony, we're neck and neck with the CDU," the AFD aims to govern for the benefit of Saxony.
18:17 Linnemann Rules Out Coalition with AfD in Thuringia, SaxonyCDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann ruled out any coalitions with the AFD in Thuringia or Saxony. "We're very clear on that," he said on ARD. The CDU will form governments from the center of the parliament, he said, and is confident of success. The CDU is the last remaining people's party, the "bulwark," and the traffic light parties have been punished.
18:13 Projection for Saxony: CDU Leads Slightly over AfD, BSW at 12%, Greens, SPD CloseThe initial projection for the Saxony state election shows the CDU with 31.5% of the votes, slightly ahead of the AFD with 30%. The BSW is the third strongest force, with 12% of the votes, while the SPD remains in the state parliament with 8.5%. The Greens and the FDP are close to entering the state parliament, with 5.5% and 4% respectively, while the Left is out with 4%.
18:10 Projection for Thuringia: AfD Leads, CDU Trails, BSW at 16%The initial projection for the Thuringia state election indicates a clear lead for the AFD with 30.5%, followed by the CDU with 24.5% and the Left with 12.5%. The SPD is represented in the state parliament with 7%, and the BSW is set to enter the state parliament with 16%. The Greens and the FDP remain below 5%.
18:01 AFD Leads in Thuringia, BSW in Double Digits in SaxonyAccording to the initial projection after the Thuringia state election, the AFD is leading, as expected. The SPD surpasses the 5% threshold, while the Greens and FDP fall short. In Saxony, the BSW achieves a double-digit result from scratch. The CDU is slightly ahead of the AFD. The Left and the FDP would not be represented in the state parliament, according to the projection, while the Greens remain.
17:18 Höcke at Risk of Missing Out on Thuringia ParliamentAFD faction leader in Thuringia, Björn Höcke, may not secure a seat in the future state parliament. His successful party colleagues could even pose a threat to him. Many AFD candidates in the constituencies have good chances of winning a direct mandate. However, Höcke faces stiff competition from CDU candidate Christian Tischner in his constituency Greiz II. If Tischner wins and the AFD wins more direct mandates than it is entitled to based on the second vote result, no one can enter via the state list, not even the first place holder, which is Höcke. In this case, the AFD could persuade a successful direct candidate to give up their seat, allowing Höcke to secure his mandate.
16:29 Around a quarter of voters in Saxony opted for mail-in ballotsFor the significant election declared by Saxony's CDU Minister-President Michael Kretschmer, approximately a quarter of eligible voters have already submitted their ballots via mail. The state election commissioner has predicted a 24.6% turnout of mail-in voters. The voter participation today was marginally higher than in 2019 during the afternoon hours.
15:52 Höcke votes in Lada - Ramelow with spouseThuringia's AfD state leader and leading candidate, Björn Höcke, cast his ballot in the early morning. At the age of 52, Höcke visited his voting station located in Bornhagen, Eichsfeld district, in a Lada Niva, a popular Russian off-road vehicle. The 68-year-old Minister-President Bodo Ramelow voted in the state capital, Erfurt, accompanied by his wife, Germana Alberti vom Hofe. Ramelow has led the state's government since 2014, most recently leading a minority coalition.
15:40 Higher voter turnout observed in ThuringiaIn Thuringia, 44.4% of voters had voted by 2:00 PM, marking an increase of over two points compared to the last election held five years ago. The state election commissioner anticipates a high voter turnout, excluding mail-in voters. In Saxony, the turnout was also higher than in 2019, yet only marginally, at 35.4%. Nevertheless, the state election commissioner expects a higher than average turnout of mail-in voters compared to 2019. Polling stations in both states will close at 6:00 PM.
15:13 Kretschmer hopes coalition parties will secure seats in state parliament
14:40 Key concerns for Saxony and ThuringiaA large survey suggests that nearly a third of voters in Saxony and Thuringia plan to vote for the AfD in the September 1st elections. The survey highlights the primary concerns fueling this trend, with migration being among them.
14:13 Höcke leaves polling station promptlyAt the Thuringia state election, AfD's leading candidate, Björn Höcke, cast his ballot in the early morning. He did not linger at the Bornhagen polling station and declined to speak to journalists on-site. In previous elections, Höcke consistently lost to the CDU candidate in his home district of Eichsfeld. This year, he switched to the Greiz constituency, although a likely defeat against the CDU remains a possibility.
13:50 Voter turnout in Thuringia mirrors 2019 at midday
In Thuringia, voter turnout appears to be closely aligned with the results from the previous parliamentary election. According to the state election supervisor, around 32% of eligible voters had cast their ballots in polling stations by 12 pm, excluding mail-in votes. In 2019, voter turnout stood at 31.2% at this time. There is a higher interest in the state election compared to earlier elections this year, such as the European and local elections held in June, which recorded a 24.3% turnout at the same hour.
13:29 Increased voter turnout predicted in SaxonyA high voter turnout is expected in Saxony's state election. By midday, 25.8% of eligible voters had cast their ballots, according to the Statistical State Office in Kamenz. At the same time in the preceding state election in 2019, the figure was 26.2%. Mail-in votes have yet to be included in these preliminary numbers. Estimates indicate that 24.6% of eligible voters will exercise their right to vote by mail, compared to 16.9% in 2019. The state election office reports that the elections have proceeded without interruption.
13:11 von Lucke: Election outcome could impact Berlin coalitionThe preliminary results of the state elections in Saxony and Thuringia are yet to be announced. If the SPD fails to secure a seat in the state parliament, political scientist Albrecht von Lucke suggested that this would mark a significant shift, telling ntv. In an interview, he analyzed the election and its potential implications.
12:44 Police investigate threatening behavior at polling stationPolice in Gera are investigating a potentially threatening incident that occurred at a polling station. A man wearing an AfD t-shirt entered the polling station to cast his vote in the morning, a police spokesperson reported. The polling station manager requested that the man remove his shirt, due to the prohibition of party advertising in the polling station. The man cooperated but threatened to return, angered by his treatment upon exiting the polling station. Police gathered a statement and issued a warning to the man. Additionally, police in Erfurt are investigating political vandalism near polling stations, in the form of graffiti labeling Höcke as a "Nazi."
12:15 Correctiv warns against misinformationThe research network Correctiv cautions against the spread of a false claim that signatures on the ballot protect against electoral fraud. In reality, the Federal Returning Officer's office confirmed to Correctiv that "the ballot may not be signed. Signing the ballot by the voter compromises the ballot's secrecy, rendering the entire ballot invalid."
11:51 Voigt expresses hope for "steady majority ratios"Thuringia's CDU top candidate Mario Voigt has also cast his vote. He expressed optimism that "many Thuringian women and men will go to the polls and exercise their right to shape the future of our state," he said following his vote in Jena. He also hopes for "stable majority ratios" to facilitate continued progress for the state.
11:25 Sonneberg Experiences Shocking Surge in Far-Right Aggressions Following Sonneberg's appointment of an AfD politician as district leader, concerned individuals have escalated in reporting instances of severe intimidation, leading numerous individuals to resign from their roles. Moreover, the number of far-right assaults has apparently quadrupled in a single year, according to reports. Experts link this rise to the district administrator's position.
10:57 Kretschmer Delivers Remarks at the Polling Station Saxony's Premier Minister Kretschmer refers to the state election as potentially "the most crucial election in 34 years." In casting his vote in Dresden, he expresses gratitude to past voters who have switched allegiances to the "unifying force of the political center," namely the Saxon Union. He continues, asserting that this shared understanding will enable a government committed to serving the region. Polls indicate a tight contest between his CDU and the AfD.
10:30 Ramelow Discusses the Challenge of a Minority Government For Thuringia's Premier Minister Bodo Ramelow, election day encapsulates "a democracy celebration" — despite the risk of reelection loss. Following an ntv interview, the Left Party politician discloses his reasons against advocating for a minority government and his skepticism regarding the BSW's competence.
09:59 Loew Decries the Election Date's Historical Connection Historian Loew denounces the September 1 election date for Saxony and Thuringia state elections, as it falls on the 85th anniversary of Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939. Loew, director of the German Polish Institute, argues that this choice represents a disregard for historical significance. When considering the AfD's classification as right-wing extremist by domestic intelligence services in both states, he concludes that the likely outcome - the AfD's victory in Dresden and Erfurt - carries potentially unwelcome historical connotations.
09:30 Upcoming Election in Saxony: The "Critical Moment" Approximately 3.3 million eligible voters in Saxony have the opportunity today to determine who will chart the state's political path in the Dresden parliament. Should the CDU forfeit its dominant position in the state since 1990, Saxony's Premier Minister Michael Kretschmer considers the election to be of utmost importance.
09:05 Kretschmer Accuses Traffic Light Coalition of Hectic Election Tactics Politicians have gathered in Saxony for today's election, with Michael Kretschmer leading incumbent CDU and aiming to uphold the party's winning streak. Addressing refugee debates, the traffic light government, and the Ukraine conflict in an ntv interview, Kretschmer highlights his perspective.
08:46 Election Day in Thuringia: Top Contenders Thuringia's citizens will decide today which party will lead their federal state of approximately 2.1 million people for the next five years. If the AfD, led by Björn Höcke, culminates as the strongest party, the implications could be substantial.
08:24 The Potential Democratization Undermining Effects of the AfD Predictions suggest that the AfD's influence will expand greatly in the upcoming elections in Saxony and Thuringia. Research suggests that this represents a threat to democratic institutions, as the rule of law may be less robust than many perceive.
08:00 Polling stations in Thuringia and Saxony open
Today, the newly elected state parliaments of Thuringia and Saxony will be decided. In polls, the AfD appears to dominate in Thuringia. Meanwhile, the CDU and the AfD are neck-and-neck in Saxony. Preliminary results are expected around 18:00, as the polling stations close. These elections in two eastern German regions serve as a critical test for the traffic light coalition in Berlin.
For the current governing red-red-green coalition in Thuringia led by Premier Minister Bodo Ramelow (Left), there is no majority in the polls. Potential post-election alliance options include a CDU, BSW, and SPD coalition. In Saxony, the current coalition of CDU, SPD, and Greens' continuation is uncertain. Kretschmer does not rule out a potential alliance with the BSW. The threat of expulsion from parliament looms over the Left party and the Greens and FDP in Thuringia.
The Commission will need to closely monitor the election results in Saxony to ensure a fair and accurate count. The projected lead of the CDU over the AfD by the Commission is only one percentage point, a thin margin that could shift with further vote counting. The election outcome may have significant implications for the political landscape in Saxony and beyond, affecting the balance of power in the state parliament and potentially influencing national politics.
