The recent elections in Brandenburg and Thuringia have amplified the political influence of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a party classified as a right-wing extremist suspected case by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
In Brandenburg, the AfD's significant representation allows it to obstruct constitutional amendments and demand influence over high-level appointments, such as constitutional judges and the state audit office. This situation has stirred concerns among other parties, with SPD and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) holding a narrow majority of 46 seats.
The CDU, which garnered only 12.1% of the votes, has declined to join a coalition with the SPD and BSW, prompting further exploratory talks to form a stable government without the AfD's involvement. However, the presence of several right-wing extremists within the AfD faction has provoked alarm, with officials warning against granting them control over critical state functions like schools and police.
In Thuringia, the AfD emerged as the strongest faction, leading to tumultuous parliamentary sessions. A stand-off ensued when the AfD's Alterspräsident Jürgen Treutler repeatedly violated the constitution, igniting calls for intervention by the constitutional court.
The CDU, BSW, and other parties attempted to amend the procedural rules to limit the AfD's influence, but faced obstruction. The SPD's Interior Minister in Thuringia has even suggested that the conditions for a ban on the AfD are met, citing its aggressive stance against parliamentary principles.
These developments underscore the heightened tensions and the complex political dynamics as mainstream parties grapple with the growing assertiveness of the AfD.
