In the end, the German state of Thuringia did not fall into the hands of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). The party won the most votes in the recent election but was unable to form a coalition, meaning that Björn Höcke will not be the state’s minister-president. This is ideal for him: he can cry foul, claim to represent the true voice of Germany and point to a conspiracy to keep him out of power. His incendiary strain of politics proved more popular than the more moderate version of the AfD in Saxony, which held elections the same day. These will all be lessons taken into consideration ahead of Brandenburg’s state elections in two weeks’ time.
The growing strength of the AfD has sent mainstream parties scurrying to respond to public concerns. Border checks are being instigated in Germany for six months, relying on an EU law which allows member states effectively to suspend free movement.
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