Thuringia has made considerable progress in climate action and could become one of Germany’s first net-zero federal states – but only if it maintains its pioneering position. So far, the state has reduced more carbon emissions than any other federal state, has a high share of renewables in its electricity mix, few carbon-intensive power plants, hardly any heavy industry and vast natural areas. However, this path could be jeopardized next weekend if the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) or the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) win the elections. Both parties have so far shown little interest in a consistent climate policy in Thuringia.