Tue Sep 03 23:48:45 UTC 2024: The far-right party AfD has seen a rise in popularity in the eastern German States of Thuringia and Saxony, despite being classified as “extremist” by domestic intelligence. The left-wing Reason and Justice Alliance emerged as a dark horse in the election. The established parties, including Chancellor Scholz’s Socialists, performed poorly. The AfD’s rise has pushed Germany’s politics towards the Right, and it may play a critical role in the statehouse even if not in government. To prevent the far-right’s rise, the establishment parties must address popular sentiments, economic challenges, and working class concerns. Unless these underlying conditions are addressed, political untouchability may not be enough to stall the far-right’s ascent in Germany.

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