What to Watch for in East German State Elections on Sunday

On Sunday, voters in the eastern German states of Brandenburg and Saxony will head to the polls to elect new state parliaments. These elections are seen as a crucial test for the political landscape in Germany, especially in the wake of recent gains by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the European elections.

Here are some key things to watch for in the East German state elections:

1. AfD’s performance: The AfD has been steadily gaining ground in German politics, particularly in the eastern states where discontent with the status quo and concerns over immigration have fueled their rise. In both Brandenburg and Saxony, the AfD is expected to perform strongly, with some polls suggesting they could become the second-largest party in both states. The AfD’s success in these elections could have significant implications for national politics and the stability of the government.

2. The performance of the traditional parties: The elections in Brandenburg and Saxony will also be a test for the traditional parties, particularly the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) and the center-right Christian Democrats (CDU). Both parties have seen their support erode in recent years, and these elections will be a crucial test of their ability to hold on to their base and compete with the AfD.

3. Coalition possibilities: Depending on the outcome of the elections, different coalition scenarios could emerge. If the AfD performs well, it could complicate the formation of a stable government, as mainstream parties may be reluctant to work with the far-right party. On the other hand, if the traditional parties can form a coalition without the AfD, it could signal a rejection of the far-right and a return to more traditional politics in the east.

4. Voter turnout: Voter turnout will also be closely watched in these elections, as low turnout could benefit the AfD, which tends to mobilize its base more effectively than other parties. A high turnout, on the other hand, could indicate a greater engagement from voters and potentially benefit the traditional parties.

Overall, the East German state elections on Sunday will be closely watched for their implications for the national political landscape in Germany. The results could signal a shift towards more populist and far-right politics in the east, or a rejection of the far-right and a return to more traditional politics. Whatever the outcome, these elections will be a crucial moment for German politics.