Episode 92: State Elections in Bavaria and Hesse

Two German Länder elected their state parliaments on Sunday, October 8: Bavaria and Hesse. In both states, it appears that the current coalitions will continue, led by center-right parties (the Christian Democrats in Hesse and their sister party Christian Socialists in Bavaria), but the elections also show serious signs of discontent and disruptions on the German political scene. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) saw gains in both states, while support for the parties of the national governing Ampelkoalition (Social Democrats, Greens, and liberal Free Democrats) took a major hit. What do these results tell us about the fragmenting party system in Germany? What issues were top of mind for voters? What can we expect in next year’s state elections and the future of national politics? Host Jeff Rathke, President, AGI Guests Klaus-Dieter Frankenberger, AGI Non-Resident Senior Fellow Eric Langenbacher, AGI Senior Fellow; Director, Society, Culture & Politics Program