Alternative für Deutschland leader speaks of ‘historic success’ of top place in Thuringia and second in Saxony
A far-right party became the biggest force in a German state parliament for the first time since the second world war, exit polls showed on Sunday, while a new populist force on the left established a firm foothold in the country’s political landscape.
Voters in two closely watched elections in the former communist east made their dissatisfaction with Germany’s mainstream political parties clear, putting the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party in the top spot in Thuringia, with between 30.5 and 33.5% of the vote, and second place in Saxony, with 30-31.5%, according to exit polls.