Centre-Right Opposition Wins State Elections in Germany, Far-Right Party Gains

By Sathish Raman

| Updated: Sunday, October 8, 2023, 

Germany's centre-right opposition emerged victorious in two state elections held on Sunday, marking a significant setback for Chancellor Olaf Scholz's national government. The results revealed growing discontent with the national administration, marred by persistent internal squabbles and mounting pressure to curb migrant influx. Furthermore, a far-right party that has been surging in national polls also registered gains, according to projections.

State Elections Reflect National Discontent

The state elections were conducted at the halfway mark of Chancellor Scholz's tenure and served as an indicator of public sentiment towards his unpopular national government. Approximately 9.4 million people were eligible to cast their votes in Bavaria while around 4.3 million could vote in neighbouring Hesse, including Frankfurt - Germany’s financial capital.

The incumbent governments in both states are led by the country’s main opposition Union bloc comprising Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU). The recent victories have bolstered their position further against Scholz's administration.

A Blow for Interior Minister

In what can be seen as another blow to the ruling coalition, the national interior minister who is responsible for leading federal response on migration issues faced a heavy defeat in her bid to become governor of her home state. This loss underscores the increasing pressure on authorities regarding immigration policies amidst rising anti-immigrant sentiments among certain sections of German society.

Sustained Dominance of CSU

Projections based on exit polls and partial counting showed that CSU continued its dominance over Bavarian politics since 1957 with approximately 37 per cent support- almost unchanged from five years ago and about 20 points ahead of its nearest rival. Despite facing criticism over various issues at a national level, this win reaffirms CSU’s stronghold in the state's political landscape.

In conclusion, the results of these state elections are a clear reflection of the growing dissatisfaction with Chancellor Scholz's national government. The victories for centre-right opposition and gains made by far-right parties indicate shifting political dynamics in Germany. Moreover, these outcomes could potentially influence future strategies and policies at both national and regional levels, particularly concerning immigration issues. It remains to be seen how Scholz's administration responds to this setback and what measures it undertakes to regain public trust.