Germany’s anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) is celebrating a “historic success”, with a big victory for the far-right party in the eastern state of Thuringia.
The result gives the far right its first win in a state parliament election since World War Two, although it has little hope of forming a government in Thuringia because other parties are unlikely to work with it.
The AfD’s top candidate in Thuringia, Björn Höcke, who is a highly controversial figure in Germany, hailed a “historic victory” and spoke of his great pride. He failed to win a direct mandate for the state parliament, but secured a seat because he was top of his party list.
Many attributed gains for the AfD with people voting out of protest. I think that explanation does not cut it anymore.
Over 30% of two German federal states voted far right out of conviction. You can no longer claim this is just protest. Wish I could say where it all went wrong, why a big chunk of east Germany rejects democracy and embraces this.
Dark days ahead for our democracy.