Following a surge in support for the right-wing Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the leftist Social Democratic Party (SPD) has launched a desperate fundraising drive, pleading for donations to prevent an AfD majority in the state.
In a dramatic appeal, the party warned it has only “one year left to turn the tide” and that cash contributions from voters are crucial to mounting a campaign against the AfD.
In a newsletter, the SPD explicitly calls for funds to cover campaign materials, poster printing, “convincing social media videos”, digital ads, and volunteers canvassing door-to-door. The party claims these donations will give it a “realistic chance of turning the election.”
The AfD recently polled 38% in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, reflecting growing voter confidence in its policies. Meanwhile, the SPD lags at just 19% and portrays AfD voters as motivated by “hatred and incitement,” a clear attempt to delegitimize genuine democratic support.
Manuela Schwesig, the SPD’s leading figure in the state, is spearheading this effort to translate resources into votes.
The donation page is explicit: “Donate Now! Prevent an AfD Majority,” with a suggested €100 contribution under the heading “Defend Democracy.”
Meanwhile, the AfD is also facing challenges off the campaign trail: a Berlin court decided the party will have to vacate its national headquarters next year, a ruling the AfD condemned as politically motivated.
