Polls have opened in the German state of Brandenburg, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is expected to finish first, building on recent successes in other eastern states. The AfD, capitalizing on concerns over economic slowdown, immigration, and the Ukraine war, aims to surpass Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats in this traditional stronghold. Despite being unlikely to govern due to lack of majority support and unwillingness of other parties to work with them, the AfD is gaining from discontent over infighting in the federal coalition. The party’s candidate for Brandenburg state premier expressed optimism about their prospects in the election.
An AfD victory in Brandenburg would be embarrassing for the SPD, which has governed the state since reunification. The popularity of Scholz, the least popular German chancellor on record, is also at stake. Brandenburg’s premier has criticized the ruling coalition’s behavior and policies, highlighting economic successes during his tenure. Recent polls show the SPD narrowing the gap with the AfD, with other parties struggling to enter the state parliament.
Both the SPD and AfD leaders have made strong statements ahead of the election, with threats of resignation if their party underperforms. Scholz’s junior coalition partners are also facing challenges in entering parliament. Despite current polling trends, analysts suggest that much could change before the federal election in 2025. The outcome of the Brandenburg election will have implications for the country’s political landscape and the future of Scholz’s coalition government.
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