German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed disappointment over the results of recent regional elections in Germany, where the far-right AfD made significant gains at the expense of his coalition. Scholz urged mainstream parties to come together and form governments that exclude “right-wing extremists”.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved historic success in the state legislature elections in Thuringia and Saxony, emerging as a major political force. However, due to its extremist views, other parties have been reluctant to cooperate with the AfD.
Despite not being able to govern, the AfD’s increased presence in the state assemblies could disrupt decision-making processes that require a two-thirds majority. This situation has raised concerns among politicians, with Scholz emphasizing the negative impact of the AfD on Germany’s economy and society.
Looking ahead to the upcoming national election, Scholz acknowledged the challenges faced by his coalition and the need for unity. The election results also saw the rise of a new leftist party, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, which outperformed the ruling coalition partners in its debut.
As Germany grapples with the aftermath of the elections, there is likely to be a shift in focus towards issues such as immigration and support for Ukraine. The results have underscored the importance of addressing these pressing concerns in the political landscape.
