German elections polls open for voters as far right AfD eyes gains | BBC News

Summary

In regional elections in eastern Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is expected to perform strongly, capitalizing on migration concerns and a sense of economic disparity with the West. Thousands protested against the AfD, labeling them as fascists. The AfD's hard-right leader, Björn Höcke, has been fined for using Nazi slogans. The elections may also reflect dissatisfaction with Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government. Additionally, the newly formed BSW party is vying for votes by appealing to East German identity and advocating for a halt to weapons shipments to Ukraine.

Takeaways

• 🗳️ Polls have opened in two eastern states of Germany where the far-right party is expected to perform strongly.
• 🚨 Thousands of demonstrators rallied against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Saxony and Thuringia, denouncing them as fascists.
• 🎖️ The AfD is campaigning on a platform of controlled borders and the expulsion of illegal immigrants, potentially making them the largest party in Thuringia.
• 🔍 The party leader of AfD in Thuringia, Björn Höcke, is a controversial figure known for his hard-right stance and use of Nazi slogans.
• 🏙️ The elections are regional, not national, but could have significant implications for the political landscape in Germany's eastern regions.
• 🤔 The AfD and another party, the BSW, are capitalizing on issues like migration and economic disparity between the east and west of Germany.
• 🔄 There is a sense of nostalgia among some eastern Germans who do not view their past under Soviet rule as entirely negative, influencing their political views.
• 🇺🇦 Both AfD and BSW are calling for a halt to the shipment of weapons to Ukraine, reflecting a divergence from the western consensus on the conflict.
• 🏛️ The elections may serve as a referendum on Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government and its 'traffic light' coalition, with voters possibly using the vote to express dissatisfaction.
• 🔮 These regional elections are seen as a precursor to the federal elections, providing a litmus test for the popularity of the far-right and the government's policies.

Q & A

What is the significance of the regional elections in Germany's eastern states?

The regional elections in Germany's eastern states are significant as they may indicate a shift in political sentiment towards the far-right, which could have implications for future national elections and policies.

How is the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party expected to perform in these elections?

The AfD party is expected to perform strongly in these elections, potentially emerging as the largest party in the region, capitalizing on anti-immigrant sentiments and dissatisfaction with the current government's policies.

What are the main issues driving support for the far-right parties in the eastern states?

The main issues driving support for far-right parties include concerns over immigration, a sense of being underprivileged compared to the western part of Germany, and certain nostalgic or sympathetic views towards Russia.

What is the stance of the AfD and BSW parties on the Ukraine conflict?

Both the AfD and BSW parties are against sending weapons to Ukraine, arguing that the West and NATO should not prolong the war by providing military support.

How has the migration policy under Angela Merkel's rule impacted the current political climate in the eastern states?

The migration policy under Angela Merkel, which allowed a large wave of migrants into Germany, has been a significant factor contributing to the rise of far-right parties that capitalize on anti-immigrant sentiments.

Who is Björn Höcke and what is his role in the AfD party?

Björn Höcke is a highly controversial figure and leader of the AfD in the eastern state of Thuringia. He represents the hard-right wing of the party and has been fined for using Nazi slogans.

What is the BSW (Bündnis für Sachsen-Anhalt) party and what are its goals?

The BSW party is a relatively new party formed to represent East German identity and interests. It is also tapping into the dissatisfaction with the current government and is seen as a real representative of East Germans.

How might these regional elections influence the federal elections in Germany?

The results of these regional elections could serve as a litmus test for the federal elections, indicating potential shifts in voter preferences and the possibility of far-right parties gaining more influence at the national level.

What is the 'traffic light Coalition' mentioned in the script and how is it perceived in the eastern states?

The 'traffic light Coalition' refers to the ruling coalition in Berlin under Chancellor Olaf Schultz, consisting of parties with red, green, and yellow colors in their logos. It is perceived negatively in the eastern states due to dissatisfaction with their policies, particularly on migration and foreign policy.

What is the role of nostalgia and historical perspective in shaping political views in the eastern states?

Nostalgia and a different historical perspective on life under the Soviet Union's rule contribute to a complex political landscape in the eastern states, where some voters may not view their past under a dictatorship as negatively as those in the western part of Germany.