Brandenburg Election Germany: SPD and AfD Emerge Victorious as Coalition Partners Face Uncertainty

In the recent state election in Brandenburg, both the Social Democrats (SPD) and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) celebrated significant wins, while the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Green party faced an uncertain future. Voter turnout reached a notable 73%, the highest since reunification, highlighting increased political engagement in the region.
While the SPD, led by Minister President Dietmar Woidke, retained its position, the AfD’s gains grant it a second blocking minority in Germany, now allowing it to influence constitutional appointments in Brandenburg and Thuringia. Woidke had threatened resignation if the AfD surpassed the SPD, underscoring the high stakes of the election.
Political analyst Dr. Jan Philipp Thomeczek noted that the SPD’s success offers a respite for Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is eyeing re-election next year despite facing challenges. The FDP’s dismal 0.8% vote leaves its role in the governing coalition in jeopardy, with discussions of alternative majorities emerging in the Bundestag.
As coalition talks begin, the SPD is likely to consider alliances with newer parties like the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), although uncertainties surround its ability to form a productive government. Meanwhile, the Greens and FDP confront political survival as they failed to meet the 5% threshold for representation in Brandenburg.
With the election results reinforcing the AfD’s presence, all other parties have ruled out forming coalitions with them, setting the stage for a complex political landscape as Germany approaches its federal elections next year.