Reader Photo: No, Germany’s right-wing parties didn’t win in state elections

To the editor: It is sad to see The Times pander to sensationalism in covering the electoral backlash to Germany’s humane refugee policy. (“Far-right party surges in German elections after anti-immigrant campaign,” March 13)

The article’s print subheadline reads, “A new anti-immigrant party wins in three states,” backed up by a report that the right-wing party “scored stunning victories.” The Times is worse than Marco Rubio in declaring losses victories. The anti-immigrant party won none of the states. Its best finish was second place, followed by two distant thirds. It will be in none of the coalition governments.

The backlash is real and should be accurately reported. But so too should the fact that about two-thirds of Germans continue to support a policy that welcomed more than 1 million refugees. Also, for the first time, the environmental Green Party won a state election.

Brook Thomas, Irvine

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook