Scholz’s Social Democrats narrowly win over AfD in Brandenburg election
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) has emerged victorious in a close race against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in a local election in the east German state of Brandenburg. Initial projections show that the centre-left SPD secured around 31 percent of the vote, slightly ahead of the anti-immigration and anti-Islam AfD, which received about 29 percent.
This result comes as a brief relief for Scholz’s coalition government, which has been facing dwindling support in opinion polls leading up to the national elections next year. Despite the win, it may not provide a significant boost for Scholz or his party, as the incumbent SPD premier in Brandenburg had distanced himself from the chancellor during the campaign.
The election outcome is significant as Scholz’s SPD has been in power in Brandenburg since the country’s reunification in 1990. The AfD, known for its controversial stance on various issues, including immigration and multiculturalism, had hoped to build on its recent electoral successes in the eastern states.
Although the AfD’s popularity is on the rise, mainstream parties have so far rejected forming a coalition with them, limiting their chances of taking power in any state. Despite the challenges, the AfD celebrated its strong performance in the election, indicating a growing influence in German politics.