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The Left Suffers Heavy Blow in Thuringia Elections, Potential Resignation of Minister President Bodo RamelowThe Left party in Thuringia state elections has experienced significant setbacks, with Minister President Bodo Ramelow at risk of resignation. The evening's wishes of Ramelow, hoping to prevent the AfD from securing at least a third of the votes, seem to have been in vain. The AfD's success has bolstered their potential to hinder decisions requiring a two-thirds majority.
21:13 SPD in Single Digits, but Klingbeil Maintains Confidence in ScholzFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz continues to enjoy the support of his party, the SPD, despite disappointing results in Thuringia and Saxony elections. According to SPD leader Lars Klingbeil, everyone must now redouble their efforts to win back voter confidence. "It's up to all of us to make things better," Klingbeil stated, emphasizing that each individual must contribute to the cause.
21:02 FDP Deputy Chairman Kubicki: "Traffic Light Coalition Has Lost Legitimacy"FDP deputy chairman Wolfgang Kubicki has called for consequences following the poor showing of the traffic light parties in Saxony and Thuringia elections. In his view, the coalition has lost its legality, and drastic action is necessary if such a substantial portion of voters rejects it. The FDP has failed to meet the 5 percent threshold in both state elections, currently polling at less than 1 percent.
20:41 Thuringia: Höcke Misses Direct MandateAfD faction leader Björn Höcke fell short of securing a majority of votes to secure a direct seat in the Thuringian state parliament. However, the party is expected to secure Höcke's seat in the state parliament. Another AfD member is anticipated to step down in Höcke's favor.
20:37 Saxony: Left Barely Clings to State ParliamentDespite significant losses, the Left is projected to remain in the Saxony state parliament based on preliminary results. Although it falls short of the 5 percent hurdle with second votes and is currently estimated at 4.3 percent, two Left direct candidates in Leipzig constituencies hold comfortable leads over their competitors. This could result in at least a few seats for the Left in the new state parliament.
20:28 ZDF Projection in Thuringia: AfD Strengthens PositionIn the most recent ZDF projection, the AfD can solidify its gains, reaching 33.4 percent of the votes, with the CDU at 23.8 percent and the SWB at 15.5 percent. The Left stands at 11.9, the SPD at 6.0, and the Greens at 3.4 percent. The FDP does not meet the 1.2 percent requirement.
20:17 ZDF Estimate in Saxony: CDU's Lead Over AfD NarrowsIn the current ZDF estimate, the CDU in Saxony leads the AfD by a mere 0.1 percentage point. The Christian Democrats and the AfD, classified as right-wing extremist by the domestic intelligence service, share a practically identical score. The Greens now risk losing their parliamentary seats, while the Left remains on dangerous ground with a mere 4.3 percent. The SPD has secured a firm place in the state parliament with 7.6 percent.
19:56 Thuringia: Höcke's Direct Entry into State Parliament WaveringThe direct entry of AfD faction leader Björn Höcke into the Thuringian state parliament is uncertain in the election. CDU candidate Christian Tischner currently leads with 42.3 percent of the votes, overshadowing Höcke's 40.4 percent. If Tischner prevails, Höcke will not secure direct representation and rely on a seat in parliament via the state list, which he leads. However, if many AfD candidates emerge victorious as direct representatives, no one may enter parliament via the state list.
19:50 Höcke on AfD Success: "The Firewall Policy Has Failed"AfD is poised to secure the most votes in the Thuringia state parliament. "The firewall policy has failed," concluded party top candidate Björn Höcke, hailing the election outcome as a "historic achievement." Höcke discussed the upcoming government formation in an interview with ntv.
19:42 Ramelow: Left Party "Devoured"Thuringia's Minister President Bodo Ramelow identifies two reasons for the "devouring" of his Left Party: "At one point, a CDU that kept equating the AfD and the Left, used 'exclusionary language' towards us, despite the fact that they governed the country with us for five years," stated the head of government on ntv. He also mentions a BSW that initially predicted giving the AfD 17 percent of the votes but ended up taking votes from the Left. Ramelow, however, could still appreciate the high voter turnout.
19:26 Nouripour on AfD's Dominance: "My Thoughts Are with Those Who Are Alarmed"The AfD is securing over 30 percent in both Saxony and Thuringia elections, leaving the traffic light parties far behind. Green party leader Omid Nouripour views the AfD's election result as a "turning point" and a call to defend democracy together.
19:08 Wagenknecht Pursues Coalition with CDU and Potentially SPD in ThuringiaBSW leader Sahra Wagenknecht aims for a coalition with the CDU and potentially also the SPD in Thuringia. "We have great hopes that we will manage to form a good government with the CDU - likely also with the SPD," said Wagenknecht on ARD. After five years of a minority government, people wanted a stable majority government. This government should tackle issues like "the immense teacher absenteeism" in Thuringia, demanded the BSW leader. People also wanted a state government that would make its voice heard at the federal level - one that would, according to Wagenknecht, advocate for "peace, diplomacy" and against the deployment of US missiles in Germany. A coalition with the AfD was categorically ruled out by the party leader for Thuringia.
19:02 ZDF Projection for Thuringia: AfD Shines Brighter than AnticipatedA ZDF prediction for the election result in Thuringia shows the AfD even more successful than initial estimations. According to this, the right-wing extremists are obtaining 33.1 percent of the votes in the federal state. The CDU stands at 24.3, Sahra Wagenknecht's alliance at 15 percent. The Left, currently holding the popular state premier position with Bodo Ramelow, is losing around 8 percentage points and is at 11.7. The SPD is at 6.6, the Greens at 4 percent of the votes.
18:56 Göring-Eckardt: AfD's Triumph is a Democratizing "Kick" in GermanyPoliticians from the Green party are more disturbed by the AfD's triumph in Thuringia than their own party's defeat in the state elections. Katrin Göring-Eckardt, the Green party's co-chair, sees the success of the right-wing extremists as a "kick" in Germany. Party leader Omid Nouripour experiences his own party's failure as "marginal" when considering that the AfD has become the strongest force in a state parliament.
18:48 Kretschmer on Saxony: "We Have Every Reason to Celebrate"The incumbent Saxon state premier, Michael Kretschmer, sees the CDU as the backbone of the government coalition. "We have every reason to celebrate," said Kretschmer at his party's election party. "Behind us lie five tough years," during which the people of Saxony had trusted the CDU and not cast a protest vote. "We are well aware of the people's disappointment with what's happening in Berlin."
18:33 AfD Leader Weidel Prescribes Government Involvement for AfDAfD federal party leader Alice Weidel is prescribing government involvement for her party in Thuringia and Saxony. "As a matter of course, if we stick to the traditions of this country, the strongest party, which is the AfD, takes the initiative," Weidel said on ARD, referring to Thuringia. "The voter wants the AfD to participate in the government. We command 30 percent of the voters in both federal states, and without us, a stable government is not even conceivable."
18:30 SPD Secretary-General: "There Was a Risk of Leaving the State Parliament"SPD Secretary-General Kevin Kühnert has acknowledged his party's modest results in the elections in Thuringia and Saxony. "It's not a night to celebrate for the SPD," he said on ARD. At the same time, his party has faced struggles for years. "There was a serious risk of leaving the state parliaments," said Kühnert. "Fighting is essential, we are needed." A lot needs to change, said Kühnert, citing: more explanation and respecting the voters' perspectives. When asked about Chancellor Olaf Scholz, he said: "We must explain our politics collectively."
18:23 Höcke Hails Thuringia Result as "Remarkable Triumph"AfD parliamentary group leader Björn Höcke regards the Thuringia result as "remarkable." The AfD is now the number one party of the people in the federal state, "the silly firewall nonsense must cease," said Höcke on MDR. Change will only occur with the AfD, he argued.
18:21 Chrupalla on Thuringia: "Even Stevens with the CDU"AFD party leader Tino Chrupalla is praising his party's performance as impressive, attributing the shift in voter sentiment as a political shift in both federal states. The AFD is open to talking to all parties, Chrupalla mentioned during an interview on ZDF. In Saxony, they're running neck and neck with the CDU, the AFD aims to shape politics in the best interest of Saxony, Chrupalla stated.
18:17 Linnemann, CDU: No Coalition with AFD in Thuringia or SaxonyCDU Secretary-General Carsten Linnemann has ruled out coalitions with the AF in Thuringia or Saxony. "We are extremely firm on this," Linnemann said during an interview on ARD. The CDU plans to form governments by drawing from the middle of the parliament, Linnemann expressed confidence that this will be successful. The CDU is the last remaining 'people's party', the 'traffic light parties' have been punished, Linnemann added.
18:13 Projected Winner in Saxony: CDU Edges Out AF by a Hair, BSW at 12%, Green on the BrinkPer initial projections for the Saxony state election, the CDU wins with 31.5% of the votes but just narrowly beats the AF with 30%. The BSW is the third strongest force with 12%, and the SPD remains in the parliament with 8.5%. The Greens barely make it to the parliament with 5.5%, while the Left is out with 4%, and the FDP does not get a seat in the new parliament.
18:10 Forecast for Thuringia: AF Leads, BSW at 16%, CDU in SecondThe first forecast for the Thuringia state election points to a clear lead for the AF with 30.5% of the votes, followed by the CDU with 24.5%, and the Left with 12.5%. The SPD could enter the parliament with 7%, while the BSW secures a seat with 16%. The Greens and the FDP miss the 5% threshold.
18:01 AF Leads in Thuringia, BSW hits Double Digits in SaxonyPreliminary results after the state election in Thuringia suggest the AF emerges as the strongest force, with the SPD surpassing the 5% threshold, while the Greens and the FDP fail. In Saxony, the BSW achieves a double-digit result for the first time. The CDU is barely ahead of the AF, according to the forecast. If the forecast pans out, the Left and the FDP would not gain a seat in the parliament, while the Greens maintain their position.
17:18 Höcke's Parliament Seat Uncertain in ThuringiaThe AF faction leader in Thuringia, Björn Höcke, may not secure a seat in the future state parliament. His party colleagues' chances could potentially hinder Höcke's aspirations. Many AF candidates in constituencies have a strong chance of gaining a direct mandate. However, Höcke is locked in a tight race against CDU candidate Christian Tischner in his Greiz II constituency. If Tischner wins and the AF secures more direct mandates than their proportionate representation of seats, no one can enter through the state list, not even Höcke, who is first on the list. In this scenario, the AF may attempt to convince a successful direct candidate to relinquish their seat, allowing Höcke to claim his mandate.
16:48 AfD Thuringia Celebrates Without Media CoverageThere is a strong chance there will be no coverage of the AfD's election celebration in Thuringia. Classified as right-wing extremist by the domestic intelligence agency, the party initially tried to exclude several media outlets from the event, but the courts blocked this. Subsequently, the state party rejected all press accreditation, citing organizational problems and insufficient space at the venue for all applicants.
16:29 Two in Five Voted by Mail in SaxonyFor the election in Saxony, which CDU Minister-President Michael Kretschmer dubbed a "crucial election" for the state, around 25% of eligible voters have already cast their ballots through mail-in voting. The state election commissioner anticipates 24.6% of voters will have cast their vote by mail. The turnout so far is only slightly higher than in 2019.
15:52 Höcke Votes in Lada, Ramelow with WifeThuringia's AF state chairman and lead candidate, Björn Höcke, cast his vote in the morning. He arrived at his polling station in Bornhagen, Eichsfeld district, in a Lada Niva, a Russian-made off-road vehicle. Minister-President Bodo Ramelow voted in Erfurt, the state capital, accompanied by his wife, Germana Alberti vom Hofe. Ramelow has served as the state's head of government since 2014, as the head of a minority coalition, most recently.
15:40 Voter Participation Higher than Previous ElectionIn Thuringia, 44.4% of voters had cast their ballots by 14:00, marking a rise of over two points compared to the election five years prior. This suggests a high turnout, with absentee voters not yet accounted for, according to the state election overseer. Meanwhile, turnout in Saxony was 35.4% by midday, slightly higher than in 2019, and the election overseer expects a significant increase in absentee voting compared to 2019. Polling stations across both states will close at 18:00.
15:13 Kretschmer Anticipates Coalition Parties' Presence in State Parliament
14:40 Top Concerns and Problems for Saxony and ThuringiaAccording to a large survey, around a third of voters in Saxony and Thuringia plan to vote for the AfD in the September 1st elections. The survey highlights migrations as one of the concerns, but there are also other significant issues and problems.
14:13 Höcke Quick Departure from Polling StationThuringia's AfD top candidate, Björn Höcke, voted around midday at the Bornhagen polling station. He did not linger and declined to speak with journalists on site. Previously, he consistently lost to the CDU candidate in his home constituency of Eichsfeld, leading him to switch to the Greiz constituency. Unfortunately, he also faces defeat in this new constituency.
13:50 Similar Voter Turnout in Thuringia to 2019 MiddayBy midday, voter turnout in Thuringia was similar to the previous parliamentary election. According to the state election overseer, around 32% of eligible voters had cast their ballots at polling stations by 12:00. Absentee voters are not included in these numbers. In 2019, the turnout was 31.2% at this time. The turnout for the state election appears to be higher than that of the recent European and local elections, with a turnout of 24.3% at the same time in June.
13:29 High Voter Turnout Expected in SaxonyIn Saxony, a high voter turnout is anticipated. By midday, 25.8% of eligible voters had cast their ballots, according to the Statistical State Office in Kamenz. In 2019, the figure was 26.2% at this time. Absentee voters are not yet included in the preliminary numbers, but it is expected that 24.6% of eligible voters will vote by mail, compared to 16.9% in 2019. The state election overseer confirms that the elections are progressing smoothly without any disruptions.
13:11 Potential Weakening of Berlin Coalition by Election ResultsThe results of the state elections in Saxony and Thuringia are still yet to be known. If the SPD does not secure a place in the state parliament, political scientist Albrecht von Lucke suggests that "this would almost be an earthquake" in an ntv interview. He examines the election and its potential consequences.
12:44 Police Investigating Threat at Polling StationAfter an incident at a polling station in Gera, the police are investigating a threat. A man wearing an AfD T-shirt entered the polling station in the morning, according to a police spokesperson. The polling station manager asked the man to remove the shirt as it was prohibited campaign advertising within the polling station. The man complied but threatened to return later as he was unhappy with how he was treated on leaving the polling station grounds. Consequently, the police filed a report and reprimanded the man. Additionally, police in Erfurt are investigating some political graffiti ("Höcke is a Nazi") near polling stations as potential criminal damage.
12:15 Correctiv Warning Against Spreading False InformationThe research network Correctiv is warning about a recurring false claim. It advises that signing the ballot protects against vote tampering. However, the Federal Returning Officer's office clarified to Correctiv that "the ballot may not be signed. Signing the ballot by the voter jeopardizes the secrecy of the vote, rendering the entire ballot invalid."
11:51 Voigt Optimistic for "Stable Majority Relations"Thuringia's CDU top candidate Mario Voigt has also voted. He expressed hope that "many Thuringians will head to the polls and exercise their right to shape the future of our country," according to his statement after voting in Jena. He is also hopeful for "stable majority relations" to steer the state forward.
11:25 Far-Right Attacks Increasing in SonnebergSonneberg is the first district in Germany to be governed by an AfD politician. Since then, engaged individuals have reported receiving numerous threats, leading many to withdraw from their jobs. Furthermore, the incidence of far-right attacks in this area has reportedly increased fivefold over the past year. Experts link this to the AfD district administrator.
10:30 Ramelow: Wagenknecht "Not an Option"Thuringia's Minister President Bodo Ramelow views election day as a celebration of democracy, despite the possibility of not being re-elected. In an interview with ntv, the Left Party politician explains why he advocates against a minority government and expresses doubt in the competence of the BSW.
09:59 "Grim Memories" - Historian Upset Over Election DateHistorian Peter Oliver Loew criticizes the election date for the state elections in Saxony and Thuringia, occurring on the 85th anniversary of the German invasion of Poland in 1939. In an interview with the editorial network Germany (RND), Loew expressed concern, stating, "Anyone who thought it was a good idea to hold elections on September 1st has a grim memory of history." Looking at the AfD, classified as "securely right-wing extremist" by the domestic intelligence service in both states, Loew said, "Associations with the NS era are not clear for this party."
09:30 "Crucial Vote": All Info on Saxony's State ElectionApproximately 3.3 million eligible voters in Saxony have the chance today to determine who will direct the political future of the Dresden state parliament. The CDU is at risk of losing its position as the strongest force in the state for the first time since 1990, with Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer referring to the election as "crucial."
09:05 Kretschmer Accuses Traffic Light Coalition of "Last-Minute Scramble Before the Election"Election day has arrived in Saxony, and the question is if Minister President Michael Kretschmer will continue the CDU's winning streak in the state. In an interview with ntv, Kretschmer discusses his stance on the refugee debate, the traffic light government, and the Ukraine war.
08:46 All Info on the Election in ThuringiaThe time of decision has come: In the center of Germany, the question is who will govern the federal state with approximately 2.1 million inhabitants for the next five years. Speculation suggests the AfD, led by Björn Höcke as the lead candidate, could become the strongest force in Thuringia.
08:24 How the AfD Could Undermine DemocracyPolls predict: The AfD is likely to significantly expand its influence in the upcoming elections in Saxony and Thuringia. For democratic institutions, this is dangerous, as a research group has pointed out. As robust as many think the rule of law is, it's not as impenetrable as thought.
08:00 Polling Stations Open in Thuringia and SaxonyToday, new state parliaments are being elected in Thuringia and Saxony. According to polls, the AfD is clearly ahead in Thuringia. In Saxony, the CDU of Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer and the AfD are neck and neck. The first projections are anticipated at 6 p.m. The elections in the two eastern German states serve as a mood test for the traffic light coalition in Berlin.
For the current Thuringia coalition, led by Minister President Bodo Ramelow (Left), there is no majority in the polls. A government consisting of CDU, Sahra Wagenknecht's (BSW) alliance, and the SPD is considered a potential option after the election. In Saxony, it's uncertain if the current coalition of CDU, SPD, and Greens still holds a majority. Kretschmer does not rule out an alliance with the BSW. The Left faces the possibility of being ousted from the parliament in Saxony. The same fate could befall the Greens and FDP in Thuringia.
Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the BSW party, is pursuing a coalition with the CDU and potentially the SPD in Thuringia, aiming to form a stable government and tackle issues such as teacher absenteeism and advocating for peace and diplomacy.
In a potential coalition scenario, the FDP deputy chairman Wolfgang Kubicki suggests that the traffic light coalition has lost its legitimacy after poor showings in the Saxony and Thuringia elections, and drastic action may be necessary if such a substantial portion of voters rejects it.
