Public pressure takes its toll: Resignation after just one day in the governor's office

(Patria) – The new governor of the eastern German state of Thuringia has announced he will resign after just one day in office.

Thomas Kemmerich made the decision under immense public pressure, as the public strongly reacted to his victory, which was decided by votes from the far-right AfD. The German public saw this precedent as a new breakthrough for the far-right and reacted at all levels, including mass protests in Thuringia's capital Erfurt, as well as in Berlin.

Kemmerich tried to defend himself by claiming he had not and would not enter into any agreement with the AfD, but a day later he announced an 'inevitable resignation' and that he would call for new regional elections.

Recall, German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned the election outcome in Thuringia due to the AfD's involvement, calling the result 'unforgivable' and demanding it be annulled.