- Scholz is advocating for Woidke – The SPD is igniting a fiery election campaign
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has offered his support to Dietmar Woidke, the Minister President of Brandenburg, boosting his election campaign. "Dietmar Woidke is an exceptional Minister President and he will receive a powerful mandate, enabling him to form the next government in Brandenburg," Scholz mentioned during an interview with Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB) and the German Press Agency. Scholz, whose federal election constituency is in Potsdam, was initially meant to speak at an SPD summer festival, but had been campaigning in Saxony instead.
Brandenburg's Chief Administrator Woidke had previously expressed his desire to avoid campaigning with high-profile figures from Berlin. The SPD currently stands at 15% nationally, with a poll showing Brandenburg at 20% - trailing behind the AfD with 24%.
At the summer festival, Woidke and Scholz engaged in a brief discussion about the upcoming election sprint before Woidke departed, patronizing Scholz on the back. Numerous guests took photographs with Scholz and conversed with him during the event.
Woidke Challenges Polls
Three weeks before the state election, Woidke has made combating the right his main campaign focus. "We must never allow fascism, right-wing extremism, and hostility towards people to become this state's doctrine again," he stated during a campaign event. "To prevent the Brandenburg flag - our cherished Brandenburg flag - from acquiring unsightly brown spots, that, my dear colleagues, is my foremost objective."
The SPD politician expressed optimism. "We are united, we are determined, and we will win this state election on September 22 - that's my pledge to you," he claimed. Woidke's political future is linked to a victory for his SPD, which has led Brandenburg since 1990 with different partners, with Woidke serving as Minister President since 2013.
Woidke emphasized that Brandenburg has once again become a land of immigration due to openness, tolerance, freedom, and democracy, leading to significant economic growth. "There is no other path for this land," he asserted. He severely criticized the AfD. "It's the people who want to exclude, it's the people who are not providing an alternative, but rather the downfall for our land."
Woidke was also encouraged by Saarland's Chief Administrator and party colleague Anke Rehlinger, who wished him "good luck." "It's not about complaining, it's about doing. Dietmar is a doer," said Rehlinger.
Controversial Placards from JU Brandenburg
The Young Union (JU) Brandenburg humorously addressed Scholz and Woidke, placing eight placards with their likenesses in Potsdam, according to their own account. The signage read: "Two strong voices for Brandenburg - Voting for Woidke means voting for Scholz." The SPD highlighted that the CDU was not adhering to legal regulations, as the JU utilized the SPD logo without clear authorization.**
CDU politician Süßmuth as an unexpected guest
A surprise guest attended the event: The CDU politician and former President of the Bundestag, Rita Süßmuth, offered her personal support to Woidke during his campaign. "It's crucial that democratic parties unite," said the 87-year-old. Upon being asked if CDU leader Friedrich Merz was aware of her support for the SPD politician, she responded, "No."
The offer of support from Chancellor Scholz is seen as a significant boost for Woidke's election campaign in Brandenburg. Despite trailing behind the AfD in the polls, Woidzke remains optimistic about the upcoming state election, focusing on combating right-wing extremism and promoting Brandenburg as a land of immigration.
