CSU Loses Seats in Bavarian Local Elections as AfD Gains Ground

The CSU suffered slight losses across Bavaria in the municipal elections. As shown by the results released on Wednesday, the party secured 32.5 percent of the vote in counties and independent cities on the day of the Sunday vote. While it remains the clear strongest force, that marks a decline of 1.9 percentage points compared with five years ago.

According to the outcomes of the 96 council elections, the Greens came in second again with 13.6 percent but lost 3.9 percentage points. The AfD emerged as the biggest winner, increasing its share to 12.2 percent-a rise of 7.5 percentage points. Close behind is the SPD, which obtained 12.3 percent, down 1.4 percentage points. The Free Voters followed with 12.1 percent, up 0.2 percentage points.