What to Watch for in East German State Elections on Sunday

This Sunday, voters in the eastern German states of Brandenburg and Saxony will head to the polls to elect members of their state parliaments. These elections are being closely watched as they are seen as a litmus test for the popularity of the ruling parties in both states, as well as a barometer for the political landscape in Germany as a whole.

In Brandenburg, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) has been in power since the state’s inception in 1990. However, recent polls suggest that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is gaining ground and could potentially unseat the SPD in this election. The AfD has been campaigning on a platform of anti-immigrant sentiment and promises to bring about change in the state’s government. If they are successful, it would mark a significant shift in Brandenburg’s political landscape.

Meanwhile, in Saxony, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has been in power since reunification in 1990. However, the AfD has also been making inroads in this state, and recent polls suggest that they could potentially become the strongest party in the state parliament. This would be a significant blow to the CDU and could have implications for Chancellor Angela Merkel’s ruling coalition at the federal level.

One of the key issues in both states is the economy, with voters concerned about job security and economic stability. The AfD has been capitalizing on these fears by promising to bring about change and address the concerns of the working class. However, the mainstream parties are also focusing on these issues, with the SPD and CDU both promising to create jobs and boost the economy.

Another key issue in these elections is immigration, with the AfD taking a hardline stance against refugees and migrants. This has resonated with some voters who are concerned about the impact of immigration on their communities. However, the mainstream parties have also been addressing these concerns, with the SPD and CDU both promising to address the issues of integration and social cohesion.

Overall, these state elections are shaping up to be a closely contested battle between the mainstream parties and the far-right AfD. The results will not only have implications for the ruling parties in Brandenburg and Saxony, but also for the political landscape in Germany as a whole. It will be interesting to see how voters in these states respond to the challenges facing their communities and what impact these elections will have on the country’s political future.