Bavaria election: Toxic campaign heralds big vote for Germany’s populists

In Germany’s largest state, Bavaria, voters recently participated in a contentious parliamentary election marked by a toxic atmosphere and the rise of populist forces. The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) aimed for a strong showing but faced accusations of manipulating the truth for political gain, while claiming to be victims of physical attacks and threats.

Tino Chrupalla, an AfD co-leader, was hospitalized after an incident during an election rally, which the party described as a “physical attack,” though police found no evidence of poisoning. Alice Weidel, another AfD co-leader, was placed in a safe house by Swiss police due to security concerns, even though she was on holiday abroad at the time.

On the other side, the Bavarian Greens faced hostility from right-wing factions, including physical attacks on their co-leader Katharina Schulze. Bavaria, once a tranquil and conservative stronghold, is experiencing turmoil as it grapples with various crises, including the Ukrainian refugee influx and the transition to renewable energy.

Despite these challenges, the government has managed to avert economic catastrophe, but public sentiment remains gloomy. The political landscape in Bavaria is increasingly polarized, with right-wing populists gaining traction by opposing climate reforms and presenting themselves as victims of persecution.

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