The leader of the far-right German party, AfD, in Thuringia announced support for the left-wing populist Sahra Wagenknecht for the position of state premier.

Björn Höcke, the leader of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Thuringia, announced his support for the far-left populist Sahra Wagenknecht for the position of premier of the state. In a video posted on X, Höcke extended his hand to Wagenknecht, urging her to become premier before the regional elections in the neighboring state of Saxony-Anhalt, scheduled for September 6.

This offer comes in the context where the current premier of Thuringia, Mario Voigt (CDU), is facing pressure after his doctoral title was revoked due to plagiarism allegations. AfD intends to initiate a new vote of no confidence against Voigt, and together with Wagenknecht's party, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), they could gather the necessary majority in parliament, although BSW has not confirmed that it would support such a vote.

Wagenknecht suggested that BSW, her left-wing populist formation, might abstain in a decisive vote, thus facilitating the takeover of the premiership by an AfD candidate. This move could undermine the current consensus among traditional parties to avoid cooperation with the far right.