Merkel’s Coalition Shaken By East German Vote
February 8, 2020
A controversial vote in eastern Germany claimed two political scalps Saturday and underscored the fragile foundation of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s ruling coalition.
The recently elected head of Thuringia, a small eastern German state, resigned owing to a political row sparked by support he had received from the far-right AfD party.
“I announce my resignation as Thuringia minister-president effective immediately,” said Thomas Kemmerich of the liberal Free Democrats, one of Germany’s smaller parties.