The success of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in the eastern states of Germany is perceived by some as a protest against west German dominance. This perspective suggests that the "takeover" of 1990, while perhaps unavoidable to prevent mass migration, could have been handled differently by attempting to build a conservative-centrist party representing the east, rather than simply transferring western parties.
Die Linke previously fulfilled a similar role from the left, but the AfD now occupies this space from the right. In Bavaria, the Christian Social Union serves such a role, contributing to the state's stability within the federal republic.
It has been suggested that a similar "Ost-Union" would have been beneficial, requiring a change in federal voting laws from a 5% threshold to a state-based threshold. A new local party in Thüringen, "Thüringen.Gerecht", formed by former members of BSW, a split from Linke, could potentially develop into such a role, though its lack of federal representation would make this a lengthy process.