The ruling SPD maintains a narrow lead on the far-right AfD in the Brandenburg state election, according to the latest projections. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz appears to have narrowly averted questions about his future as leader, as his party is set to maintain its lead. However, SPD leader Dietmar Woidke urged party members to “put on the euphoria brakes” until final results are clear.
The populist AfD and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance made significant gains in votes, while the left-wing Greens and Die Linke may not have reached the 5% threshold to secure seats in the state parliament. The AfD leaders celebrated their performance, with Co-leader Alice Weidel declaring victory for the party.
The election in Brandenburg, which surrounds Berlin, saw a turnout of around 2.1 million voters. The SPD, the largest party in Chancellor Scholz’s coalition government, is aiming to maintain control against rising support for extreme parties on the right and left.
The rise of the far-right AfD in recent state elections has raised concerns about growing support for extreme right-wing parties in Germany. However, other parties have pledged not to cooperate with the AfD, and coalition-building remains a challenge in Thuringia and Saxony.
Overall, the election results in Brandenburg reflect a shifting political landscape in Germany, with the SPD holding onto its lead but facing pressure from populist and extremist parties. The final outcome will determine the future direction of the state and its political leadership.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com