My daughter has spent a lot of time recently on anti AfD demonstrations, it’s grim.
You’re right, it happens regularly 
Let’s hope it works out! When do they announce the winner?
“We already have early exit polls, which are historically quite accurate in Germany. They suggest that Friedrich Merz, the candidate for the conservative Christian Democrats, is in line to be Germany’s next chancellor.” per NYTimes
“the Christian Democrats are leading with 29 percent of the vote. The Social Democrats have 16 percent and the AfD 19.5 percent, lower than what was predicted, the exit polls show.”
My daughter turned out to vote against the AFD.
That’s the truth of it Badger. There are, and always has been, two Germanys.
We sent postal votes against them. Only hope they arrived in time!
It really annoys me. West Germany paid thru the nise to get the eastern Laender up to standards. 35 years of paying - to equal oensions, salaries etc. Public services are in some areas better than in the western provinces.
And for what - soviet influence and the hate of foreigners (who might need assistance and take away entitlement) wins out over human decency?
I am ashamed for my country.
I have a friend in the next village who’s a former colonel in the German army and he’s of the opinion that the reunification of Germany was a mistake because the East and West were in retrospect, too far apart.
I am starting to think his way too. Having experienced the oppression (only driving thru East Germany to get to Berlin - or crossing into East Berlin for an artist I wad working with) i had always hoped the re unification would melt the country back together.
I havent lived in Germany since '87 and watched the wall coming down in a Dallas Hotel room. But my mother kept me informed and voiced her misgivings. Good thing she didnt live to see this election result.
It was her first vote as a German citizen.
Mine too.
I always found it interesting that the Allied powers (UK, France & USA) never recognised the East German government or land as legitimate. They would never talk, interact or deal with DDR officials and soldiers - only recognising Soviet authority (as an occupying force). When transiting the DDR on military business, either by road or rail, it was drummed in to you not to interact with any DDR official at any time and only comply with Soviet officials requests as far as the Agreements allowed. Transiting the DDR - for military personnel anyroad - was very regulated by the Allies specifically to ensure that no ‘misunderstandings’ took place.
Why talk to the oil rag when the mechanic is running the show?