Social Democrats secure victory in Brandenburg, fends off far-right surge
Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) has emerged victorious in Brandenburg, narrowly defeating the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) has emerged victorious in Brandenburg, narrowly defeating the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. With 30.9% of the vote, the SPD held off a strong challenge from the AfD, which garnered 29.2%, reflecting a significant political dynamic in eastern Germany.
The results, released by the state electoral administration, also saw the newly formed leftist movement, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), take third place with 13.5%, while the center-right Christian Democrats (CDU) trailed at 12.1%. This victory is particularly crucial for the SPD, which has governed Brandenburg since reunification in 1990. A loss would have been a serious blow to Scholz, who represents the state capital of Potsdam.
The electoral outcome serves as a much-needed reprieve for Scholz’s three-party governing coalition, which has faced challenges in recent elections. However, the SPD’s success is largely attributed to state governor Dietmar Woidke, who strategically distanced himself from Scholz during the campaign and promised to resign if the far-right succeeded.
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“It is an important victory for me, it’s an important victory for my party, and it’s an important victory for the state of Brandenburg,” Woidke declared after polls closed. His gamble paid off, solidifying his leadership role while also bolstering Scholz’s aspirations to be the SPD’s candidate for Chancellor in the upcoming federal election.
The Brandenburg election outcome comes on the heels of the AfD’s gains in two other eastern states, making this narrow victory a critical moment for the SPD as it seeks to reaffirm its influence in a region increasingly swayed by far-right sentiments. As Scholz navigates this political landscape, the results may hold significant implications for his party’s future and the broader German political arena.