State results signal trouble for Germany’s centrists

Significance

The party also performed strongly in the election held in Saxony on the same day, finishing a close second. The federal government parties -- the Social Democrats (SPD), Free Democrats (FDP) and Greens -- collectively won around 10% in both elections.

Impacts

• Defeat for the SPD in Brandenburg could heighten opposition against Olaf Scholz’s bid to be the party’s chancellor candidate next year.
• Should the FDP leave the government, the SPD and Greens may be able to continue as a minority government.
• The strong performance of the AfD and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance reflects growing voter opposition to German support for Ukraine.