State elections in Saxony and Thuringia on September 1 and in Brandenburg on September 22 were seen as breakthroughs because the AfD could become the strongest force anywhere. The party is considered right-wing extremist in all three states and is therefore subject to oversight by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Complicated majority relationships are expected.
European elections 2024: a test for right-wing populists
In the world's largest transnational elections, more than 400 million eligible voters from 27 European Union countries will determine the 720 members of the European Parliament in June. Following the victories of right-wing populists in Italy and the Netherlands and the current immigration debate, the vote is a test of far-right support at European level.
US: Will Trump return?
Former US President Trump has not been confirmed as the Republican candidate. But he will likely run against incumbent US President Biden on November 5, despite several ongoing criminal proceedings. The constellation will be the same as the previous presidential election. Trump still had not admitted defeat at that time. His story of a “stolen election” reached a crescendo with his supporters storming the Capitol. Disinformation could also determine the 2024 election campaign. Additionally, there are already discussions about whether the 81-year-old candidate and his then-78-year-old challenger are truly fit to rule the country.
Russia: opposition eliminated
Russian President Putin has been in power for 23 years. In 2020, the constitution was changed so that he could theoretically remain president until 2036. Putin recently officially announced his candidacy for the March 17 election. The 71-year-old man wants to rule for another six years. He has almost nothing to fear from opposing candidates. Against the backdrop of Russia's war against Ukraine, the opposition and civil society were silenced. His most important political opponents are dead, in exile, or, like Kremlin critic Navalny, in prison.
India: Prime Minister Modi is the favorite in this race
In April and May, nearly a billion people in India will be asked to vote for parliament in the world's most populous country. Prime Minister Modi and his nationalist BJP party are seeking a third term in office. Modi's political career is based on the support of more than a billion Hindus. Critics accused him of inciting hostility towards Muslim minorities. His supporters praise him for improving India's reputation in the eyes of the world. Although Modi has restricted civil liberties in recent years, he is the clear favorite in the election. Due to the size of the country, the election will take several weeks.
Mexico: First female president?
In June, a woman could become president of Mexico for the first time. This would be a powerful symbol in a country where thousands of women are murdered every year. Two women are considered favorites to replace President López Obrador: former Mexico City mayor Sheinbaum, from the left-wing ruling Morena party, and Senator Gálvez, a candidate from the opposition alliance.
Iran: First elections after mass protests
Parliamentary elections in Iran will take place on March 1, 18 months after the death of Mahsa Amini. The death of the young Kurdish woman after her arrest by morality police sparked months of mass demonstrations against political and religious leaders. These protests were violently suppressed, hundreds of people were killed and thousands were arrested. Before the last elections in 2020, many reform-oriented and moderate candidates were excluded, meaning that Iranians could only choose between conservatives and ultra-conservatives.
