Elections in East Germany: Democracy under pressure

Why do many people in the East think differently about democracy and participation? Three reporters report on how they experienced the mood before and after the state elections in Saxony and Thuringia and which stories have particularly stuck in their minds. For example, people who have been demonstrating on Mondays for years and feel patronized by “the West” or “those at the top”. Or those who are committed to an open, colorful life locally – and observe a creeping normalization of right-wing extremist ideas. Or AfD voters who feel cheated of their party’s electoral success.

Christin Simon, Ben Arnold and Thomas Datt talk in the podcast about the situation, mood and prospects in Thuringia and Saxony. What do the election results show us? What consequences do they have? Do we need a different culture of discussion?

Guests: Christin Simon, Thomas Datt, Ben Arnold

Moderation: Secilia Kloppmann

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The “Investigative” section in the ARD Mediathek