The recent local parliamentary elections in Saxony and Thuringia have sent shockwaves through Germany’s political landscape. The results, which saw significant support for parties with pro-Russian sentiments, pose questions for both Germany and its neighboring countries, including Poland.
In both Saxony and Thuringia, voters backed the Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU), the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), and the newly established Left-wing party led by Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW). Despite ideological differences, all three share a common thread: skepticism toward Germany’s ongoing support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.
For Poland, which has been a staunch ally of Ukraine, this shift in German politics raises concerns. With pro-Russian narratives increasingly prominent in Germany’s political DNA, the Polish government must evaluate its readiness to deal with potential shifts in German foreign policy, particularly if future governments lean toward reducing support for Ukraine.
In Germany, questions are being asked about whether Russian disinformation played a role in the election results. Politicians such as Robert Dröge from the Greens and think tank leader Philipp Sälhoff have pointed to the possibility of Russian influence, yet the election outcomes indicate that pro-Russian sentiments are firmly rooted in parts of the German electorate.