Germany’s far-right AfD party hopes for gains in state votes
BERLIN (AP) — The far-right Alternative for Germany party is hoping for big gains in two state elections on Sunday, after winning its first parliamentary seats in regional votes for Thuringia and Saxony a month ago.
Observers see the elections in the eastern states of Thuringia and Saxony as a key test of the far-right party’s strength, following strong performances in last year’s national polls.
The anti-immigrant party, known by its German acronym AfD, wants to increase its share of the vote in both states and enter regional governments.
Some recent polls indicate that the AfD could become the strongest party in Thuringia, where the party has benefited from popular discontent with the mainstream parties.
The party has faced allegations of stoking xenophobia and playing down the Nazis’ crimes.
The AfD has also been under fire since one of its leaders suggested that the country should stop atoning for its Nazi past.
Final results from Sunday’s votes are expected in the evening.