The outcome of the election may immobilize the Berlin alliance.
12:44 Cops Probing Threat at Voting StationFollowing an occurrence at a voting station in Gera, cops are looking into a threat. A man in an AfD t-shirt showed up at the polling station early in the day, a law enforcement spokesperson revealed. The polling station supervisor asked the guy to take off the shirt as party promotion was prohibited inside the polling station. The man obliged, but as he was leaving the premises, he made a promise to return, expressing his discontent with the treatment he received. Cops subsequently filled out a report and admonished the man. Moreover, cops in Erfurt are scrutinizing political graffiti ("Höcke is a Nazi") near polling stations, suspecting it of being criminal damage.
12:15 Correctiv Sounds Alarm Over Misinformation CirculationThe research organization Correctiv is raising concerns over an old falsehood that is being shared once more. The claim insists that marking the vote slip prevents vote manipulation. However, the Federal Electoral Office clarified to Correctiv: "The voting slip shouldn't be marked. Marking the ballot by the voter jeopardizes vote secrecy, making the entire ballot invalid."
11:51 Voigt Aims for "Stable Majority Relations"Thuringia's CDU lead candidate Mario Voigt has also cast his vote. He expressed hope that "many Thuringians would exercise their right to shape our nation's future," he said at his vote in Jena. He also wished for "stable majority relations" to bring the nation back on track again.
11:25 Right-Wing Tensions in Sonneberg Are IntensifyingSonneberg becomes the first district in Germany to be governed by an AfD politician. Nonetheless, engaged individuals complain of being severely threatened, prompting many to quit their jobs. Moreover, the frequency of right-wing extremist attacks in the region has also increased fivefold in a year. Experts suggest a connection with the AfD district administrator.
10:57 Kretschmer Addresses the Polling StationSaxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer regards the state parliament election as "possibly the most significant election in 34 years." At his vote in Dresden, he acknowledged gratitude to many individuals who "voted differently" in the past but opted for the "prominent force in the bourgeois center," namely the Saxon Union. "This comprehension will enable us to construct a government that serves this land," Kretschmer continued. Recent polls show a tight race between his CDU and the AfD.
10:30 Ramelow: Wagenknecht "Not a Candidiate"Thuringia's Minister President Bodo Ramelow regards election day as "a festival of democracy" - despite the risk he may not be re-elected. In an interview with ntv, the Left Party politician clarifies why he doesn't suggest a minority government and questions the competency of the BSW.
09:59 Historian Lamenting the Historical Significance of Election DateHistorian Peter Oliver Loew criticizes the election date for the state elections in Saxony and Thuringia on the 85th anniversary of the German invasion of Poland in 1939. "Anyone who thought it was a good idea to hold elections on September 1st had a bad feeling about history," the director of the German Polish Institute told the editorial network Germany (RND). Delving into the AfD, classified as "solidly right-wing extremist" by the domestic intelligence service in both states, Loew said, "This can lead to unfavorable associations if a party with unclear ties to the NS era also triumphs in Dresden and Erfurt."
09:30 "Crucial Election": Complete Data on Saxony's State ElectionApproximately 3.3 million qualified voters in Saxony have the opportunity today to decide on who will guide the political direction of the Dresden state parliament for the future. The CDU's grip on being the top force in the state may come to an end for the first time since 1990. Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer considers it a "crucial election." "This is about everything."
09:05 Kretschmer Accuses Traffic Light Coalition of "Rush Just Before the Election"The day of decision has arrived in Saxony: Will Michael Kretschmer continue the CDU's winning streak in the state? In an interview with ntv, he discusses his stance on the refugee debate, the traffic light government, and the Ukraine war.
08:46 Detailed Survey on Thuringia's ElectionThe day of determination is here: In the heart of Germany, it's about who will govern the federal state with its approximately 2.1 million inhabitants for the next five years. Will the AfD, led by lead candidate Björn Höcke, become the strongest force in Thuringia?
08:24 How the AfD Could Sabotage DemocracyPolls indicate: The AfD is likely to boost its influence considerably in the upcoming elections in Saxony and Thuringia. For democratic institutions, this is perilous, as a research group has revealed. Since the rule of law is not as robust as many think.
8:00 AM: Voting Begins in Thuringia and SaxonyToday, new state legislatures are being chosen in Thuringia and Saxony. In the ballots, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) appears to be leading comfortably in Thuringia. In Saxony, the incumbent CDU led by Michael Kretschmer and the AfD are in close contention. Initial predictions are expected with the closure of polling stations at 6 PM. The elections in these two eastern German territories serve as a barometer for the traffic light coalition in Berlin.
The current Thuringia administration, a red-red-green coalition led by Minister President Bodo Ramelow (The Left), lacks a majority in the polls. A possible coalition following the election could include the CDU, the alliance of Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) and the SPD. In Saxony, it remains uncertain if the existing coalition of CDU, SPD, and Greens will still maintain a majority. Kretschmer does not rule out an alliance with the BSW. The Left faces the possibility of being eliminated from the parliament in Saxony. The same fate could befall the Greens and FDP in Thuringia.
Following the voting in Thuringia, there have been discussions about potential coalition partners for the current administration, including the CDU and Sahra Wagenknecht's BSW alliance. In a separate matter, a man wearing an AfD t-shirt caused a commotion at a polling station in Gera, leading to a threat investigation by the police. Sahra wagon servant was not mentioned in any of these sentences, so the requested sentences could not be generated naturally from the context.
