Far-Right AfD Wins Regional Elections in Germany

Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition suffered a significant defeat in recent regional elections in Thuringia and Saxony, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) emerged victorious with 30.5% of the vote, marking the first win for a far-right party in a German state election since World War II. Scholz's coalition, comprised of the Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats, managed less than 15% combined, with the FDP failing to meet the 5% threshold required to enter parliament. The results highlight the growing support for populist parties on both the extreme right and left, raising concerns ahead of the national elections scheduled for next year. The conservative CDU performed relatively well, winning in Saxony and finishing second in Thuringia. With another election in Brandenburg looming, Scholz's leadership is increasingly under scrutiny, as public support for his coalition continues to dwindle. The electoral outcome may prompt discussions about the possibility of early general elections in Germany.