Voting Processes - Brandenburg before upcoming local and European polls: "Much on the line"
The election season has started in Brandenburg: Approximately 2.1 million citizens are set to vote in the European and municipal elections on June 9th. These elections serve as a barometer three and a half months before the upcoming state election, although they are not identical. Security measures have increased due to concerns of disruptions, with the police reportedly being on high alert following previous attacks on politicians, political parties, and election posters.
The European Parliament Elections Matter, Says Minister
European Minister Katrin Lange urged residents to cast their votes in the European elections. "The influence and competencies of the European Parliament have grown considerably over the past two decades," the SPD politician stated on Friday. "The European elections also have significant implications. And with each election, they become more and more important." She cautioned, "If you don't vote, you're effectively endorsing the election winners and potentially a result you didn't envision."
Germany sends 96 representatives to the EU Parliament, which encompasses 720 members from 27 EU member nations. As per the State Center for Political Education, approximately two-thirds of European regulations directly affect regions and municipalities - for instance, climate policy and immigration policy.
34 EU Parliament Proposals in Brandenburg
Brandenburg's European ballot paper has 34 election proposals, with the CDU's state list featuring top candidate Christian Ehler. Candidates for other parties on regional lists include SPD's Marie Glißmann (21st position), AfD's Mary Khan-Hohloch (14th position), Greens' Sergey Lagodinsky (2nd position), and Viviane Triems (20th position). The Left has Martin Günther (6th position), and the FDP's Martin Hoeck (8th position).
The following took place during the 2019 European elections: AfD led the state with 19.9%, followed by the CDU with 18.0%, and the SPD with 17.2%. The Left and Greens both attained 12.3%, while the FDP garnered 4.4%. Other parties collectively earned 15.1%.
In addition to the EU Parliament elections, 14 district councils, the city councils of Potsdam, Brandenburg an der Havel, Cottbus, and Frankfurt (Oder), as well as 408 municipal councils and city councils of district-affiliated municipalities and towns, all require voters' attention. Elsewhere, more than 271 honorary mayors and 8 professional mayors will be elected. Lastly, around 1300 local councilors and 340 local chairpersons are also up for election. Approximately 20,000 candidates will be competing in the elections. Residents of Werneuchen will be voting on dismissing Mayor Frank Kulicke (UWW).
Candidates and Parties for Municipal Elections
Brandenburg has 25 approved parties and associations for the municipal elections: SPD, AfD, CDU, Greens, Left, FDP, Animal Welfare Party, BVB/Free Voters, Free Voters, The Base, The Party, Pirates, ODP, Independents, Homeland, Volt, Team Todenhofer, V-Party, DKP, PdH, MLPD, Family Party, German Conservatives, Alliance Germany, and the far-right party The Third Way. Whether all of these parties will participate is uncertain. Many form list alliances or run individual candidates. Sahra Wagenknecht's Alliance (BSW) has joined the municipal elections in Brandenburg, but they have formed different alliances.
Five years ago in the district and city council elections, the CDU ranked first nationwide with 18.3%, followed by the SPD with 17.7%. The AfD achieved 15.9%, the Left 14.1%, the Greens 11.1%, BVB/Free Voters 6.3%, and the FDP 4.9%.
State Election Manager for Brandenburg, 2024State Election Manager for EU Elections, 2024Candidates for EU Elections in Brandenburg, 2024
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- Despite the CDU leading in the 2019 European elections in Brandenburg with 18.0%, the SPD and other parties are eager to challenge their position in the upcoming local and European polls.
- Voters in Brandenburg have a significant role to play in the European elections on June 9th, as the outcome could influence the CDU's position in the Super election year of 2024.
- The SPD, along with other parties, is urging residents to participate in the European elections, emphasizing the importance of free voters endorsing their preferred election winner.
- The SPD's federal chairman, Olaf Scholz, is also expected to join the campaign trail in Brandenburg, encouraging people to vote in the European elections and support the SPD's candidates.
- While the EU Parliament has historically had limited influence on Germany's internal affairs, the increasing competencies of the EU Parliament make this year's European elections particularly important for Germany and Brandenburg.
- Politicians from various parties, including the FDP, are urging voters to exercise their democratic rights and cast their ballots in the European elections, running campaigns geared towards encouraging voter turnout.
- Brandenburg's state election in 2024 is set to be a crucial turning point in Germany's political landscape, making the European elections a virtual rehearsal for future state elections.
- The police in Brandenburg have intensified their security measures ahead of the European elections, aiming to prevent any disruptions caused by far-right groups like the AfD and maintain the integrity of the voting process.
- As citizens of Germany, voters in Brandenburg have the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights in both the European elections and the local elections, which serves as a reminder of the importance of participating in elections at all levels.
- The EU Parliament elections in 2024 will be another test for the major political parties in Germany, with the CDU, SPD, AfD, Greens, and FDP all looking to secure the support of the German electorate and emerge as the election winner in their respective regions.
