In a historic victory, the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has emerged as the top force in Thuringia's state election, with projections showing them in second place in Saxony. This comes as a new populist party on the left, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, has secured a strong showing in both states. The results were disastrous for the ruling parties in Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government, and the AfD's exclusion from coalitions will lead to "exotic" alliances. The controversial AfD leader, Bjoern Hoecke, hailed the "historic" result, while affirming his party's position as the "people's party" in Thuringia.
Historic Victory for Far-Right AfD in Thuringia and Saxony Elections
Background:
Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has made significant gains in recent elections. In 2017, the AfD won seats in the Bundestag (German Parliament) for the first time, becoming the third-largest party behind the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). In subsequent state elections, the AfD has continued to make inroads, strengthening its presence in the German political landscape.
Current Victory:
In the recent state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, the AfD emerged as the top force in Thuringia and placed second in Saxony. This marks a historic victory for the far-right party, which had previously been excluded from coalition governments in both states.
The AfD's success can be attributed to several factors, including its anti-immigration stance, its populist rhetoric, and dissatisfaction with the establishment parties. The party has also benefited from the rise of right-wing populism in Europe and the global resurgence of nationalism.
Consequences:
The AfD's strong showing has significant implications for German politics. The party's exclusion from coalitions will likely lead to "exotic" alliances and further fragmentation in the political landscape. The AfD's victory is also seen as a blow to Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government, which has been struggling to maintain unity.
Controversial AfD Leader:
The AfD's success has been spearheaded by Bjoern Hoecke, a controversial figure known for his extremist views. Hoecke has been accused of racism and anti-Semitism, and he has openly questioned the Holocaust. His leadership has raised concerns about the potential for far-right extremism to gain traction in Germany.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. What is the AfD's ideology?
2. Why did the AfD win in Thuringia and Saxony?
3. What does the AfD's victory mean for German politics?
4. Who is Bjoern Hoecke?
5. Is the AfD a threat to German democracy?
Former President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Sunday to criticize Fox News for cutting him off during a 10-minute discussion about Kamala Harris' DNC speech. Trump claimed that it was the network who called him, not the other way around, and that they interrupted him to air Greg Gutfeld's late-night show instead. This outburst comes as Harris leads Trump in polls and after reports of Trump spending most of August golfing instead of focusing on his campaign.
Indian wrestler and Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat is making her first visit to the village of Khera Bakhta in Julana since receiving her election ticket. This important visit will help strengthen her ties with local residents and garner support for her political campaign. Stay updated with ABP News for the latest developments in this political race.
In the wake of fresh violence in Manipur's Jiribam district, the state's Chief Minister led a meeting of ruling party MLAs to discuss ways to tackle the ongoing ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups. The security agencies have recovered large caches of weapons, which include sniper rifles and rocket bombs, indicating the intensification of the conflict. Despite previous efforts to restore normalcy, violence continues to erupt in ethnically-diverse Jiribam, displacing thousands and resulting in casualties. The government is now pressuring the Centre to take appropriate action to bring the militants under control.
The ongoing conflict between Kuki militants and security agencies in Manipur has taken a dangerous turn as the Kukis have sought foreign help in their demand for a separate state. According to sources, the World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council has approached the UN, UK and Israel with their demands, citing their right to self governance under the Indian Constitution and various international agreements. The Kukis claim to be lost Jew tribes who were brought to India for tourism but later held captive by the country.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi of Odisha will be visiting Sambalpur to launch the CM Kisan Yojana on September 8, coinciding with the Nuakhai festival. This new scheme will replace the existing KALIA scheme and aims to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers, who will receive Rs 4000 annually in two phases. Chief Minister Majhi will also attend 'Nuakhai Bhetghat' programmes and offer prayers at Maa Samaleswari temple during his visit. Stay updated by subscribing to the Odisha Breaking News channel.
Kamala Harris has brought new excitement to the U.S. presidential race, particularly among Democrats of Asian descent and people of color. The party's convention in Chicago, originally intended to support Joe Biden's re-election, has become a platform for showcasing Harris' strengths and diversity within the Democratic party. This is in stark contrast to Trump's Republican party, which lacks ethnic diversity and has officially nominated him as their candidate for the third consecutive time.
The Manipur government has declared an indefinite curfew in Jiribam district after five people were killed in ethnic violence. The order, made under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, prohibits gatherings and restricts movement, with exceptions for essential services and emergency situations. The superintendent of police will be overseeing the enforcement of the curfew, which will remain in effect until further notice. The regional news portal Northeast Now provides ongoing coverage of the potentially volatile situation.
After the head of a Hindu monastic order suggested changing the name of the ritual bath at the Kumbh Mela, Urdu speakers have denounced the statement, asserting that Urdu is also an indigenous Indian language. The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, an organization of Hindu monastic orders, is planning to discuss the issue and make a decision. Meanwhile, members of the Urdu Markaz Mumbai group have condemned the call to drop the old term, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of Urdu to India. The Kumbh Mela, a mass gathering held every 12 years, is a highly revered Hindu event and the next one is scheduled for 2025.
The Congress party has released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, with Vinesh Phogat being nominated as the candidate for the Julana constituency. The JJP has decided to field Amarjit Dhanda, the current MLA, again as their candidate. However, Congress is hopeful that Phogat's popularity and recent retirement from wrestling will garner sympathy votes and help them win the seat.
In a major scandal shaking up the Indian bureaucracy, IAS officer Puja Khedkar has been discharged from service by the UPSC for cheating and taking advantage of OBC and disability quota benefits. This comes after a month of her selection being cancelled and her being barred from future exams. The controversy has brought to light loopholes in the selection process and has resulted in the scrutiny of over 15,000 candidates.