Brandenburg braces for regional vote that could determine fate of national government

The election campaign for a vote that could determine the fate of Germany’s national government wrapped up on Friday. 

After strong showings in two other state elections in eastern Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) might overtake German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) in Brandenburg. 

Ahead of voting on Sunday, the AfD is leading on polls followed by the SPD and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). 

If AfD come out on top this weekend, it will be the first time the SPD lose its leading position since 1990. 

The left wing Sarah Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) is expected to make a leap into the state parliament only months after its inception and also following success in recent eastern German voting. 

In light of double-digit poll ratings, the BSW could play a decisive role in preventing the AfD from becoming a part of a new state government even if they come out on top. 

For SPD’s regional head Dietmar Woidke, the results of the election will impact not only his party but also his future in politics.  

He announced that if the SPD do not win, he will retire from politics.