Brandenburg is on the cusp of a significant political shift as voters head to the polls to elect a new state parliament. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is poised to potentially become the strongest force for the first time, posing a serious challenge to the current ruling party, the Social Democrats (SPD).
Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke has declared that he will step down if the SPD does not secure the top spot, ending his eleven-year tenure. Despite Woidke's personal popularity, recent polls show a tight race between the SPD and AfD.
The SPD is struggling amid declining support for the federal 'traffic light' coalition, which includes the SPD, the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP). Meanwhile, Brandenburg faces additional challenges, including high water levels and infrastructure concerns which have become focal points in the election discourse.
As political tensions rise, local activists plan to protest an AfD election party in Potsdam, reflecting broader national unrest against growing right-wing extremism. This election is not only pivotal for Brandenburg but also indicative of broader political trends and voter sentiments across Germany.
