There are two German state elections today (Sunday) in Saxony and Brandenburg. Both are former DDR states and to the east. Both will have unique results, which may influence far-reaching changes in national politics.
But there are some key features of both elections.
First, both are areas which haven't seen a lot of success on jobs since the Wall came down (nearing 30 years). Eastern Germany is like the poor bastard-son who keeps being told that it's part of the bigger success of Germany....but is still waiting on their own personal piece of the success.
Second, in both regions....they will tell you that roughly a quarter of the population is either anti-migrant or leans that way. It doesn't mean that they support the AfD Party, but they are pressuring the other parties to move further away from the pro-position they've had for the past six to eight years.
Third, the Merkel-magic is mostly all used up, and the CDU internal machine might be thinking that early retirement might be necessary.
Fourth, the Greta-save-the-world business may have affected some voting patterns in the two states. Environmentalism is a growing political topic in Germany.
Fifth and final, the real loser of today will likely be the SPD Party (left of center) who has seen an awful lot of downward trends over the past decade.
Results? Around 6 PM, the poll stations close, and by 7 PM....there ought to be strong numbers to announce.
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