Germany: The Brandenburg state government has lost its majority in parliament following the withdrawal of several deputies from Sahra Wagenknecht’s alliance (BSW) party, prompting calls from the opposition for new elections.
Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) leader Hans-Christoph Berndt described the current administration as “simply incapable and inadequate,” emphasizing that crucial issues such as the economy and migration are being neglected, stating
If democracy is to be more than lip service, there is no way around new elections.
The crisis escalated after Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke (SPD) terminated the coalition with the BSW, citing the recent departure of three deputies and the resulting lack of a stable foundation for governance. PM Woidke plans to continue in a minority government until a new coalition can be formed. Although a coalition with the AfD is excluded, the SPD could potentially secure a working majority alongside the CDU and the three former BSW members.
Before the collapse, the SPD-BSW coalition held a slim two-seat majority in the 88-seat parliament. The government’s instability was intensified by internal disputes within the BSW over the Broadcasting State Treaty, in which the majority of the BSW group opposed the agreement, with only a few voting in favor.
At a national level, recent voter surveys indicate that the AfD remains Germany’s leading political force. According to a GMS poll, the party enjoys 27% support, three points ahead of the CDU/CSU at 24%. The SPD stands at 15%, while the Greens hold 12% and the Left party 10%. Smaller parties, including Wagenknecht’s alliance, the FDP, and Free Voters, remain below the 5% threshold.
In a separate December poll conducted by Insa for Bild, AfD leader Alice Weidel also emerged as the most popular choice for chancellor in a hypothetical direct election.
