For the first time since 1945, a German far-right party is projected to win a regional election, with the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) leading in Thuringia.

According to exit polls, AfD is set to secure 33.5% of the vote, surpassing the Christian Democrats (CDU) at 24.5%.

In Saxony, AfD and CDU are neck and neck. The newly founded left-wing Sarah Wagenknecht alliance (BSW) is projected to place third in both regions.

The results are seen as a test for Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his coalition, with the AfD capitalizing on dissatisfaction with the current government, CNN has reported.

Despite this success, AfD faces challenges forming a regional government and is viewed as a right-wing extremist party by Germany’s intelligence agency.

Written by B.C. Begley