The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) faction in Thüringen has decided to abstain from the first round of voting for the state’s next Minister President, a move that increases the chances of AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund being elected in December. This decision stems from a lack of trust amongst CDU members themselves, leading to a fractured party position. By abstaining, the CDU is essentially paving the way for a potential victory for the far-right AfD. Political analysts view this as a risky maneuver, potentially backfiring and resulting in a disastrous outcome for the CDU. The situation in Thüringen is now highly unstable, as the CDU’s actions could ultimately lead to a government led by the AfD. This development underscores a deepening political crisis within Thüringen and raises concerns about the future of regional governance. The consequences of this abstention could be far-reaching and significantly alter the political landscape of Thüringen.