- The "Duplicate Woidke": crusade opposing the traffic signals
He's all-in for victory or defeat: Dietmar Woidke stands before a colossal campaign poster displaying his face and declares, "I'm not hanging onto my position." If the SPD doesn't outshine the AfD in the upcoming state election on September 22, Woidke vows to depart from state politics. "Then I'm out. It's that straightforward." This shift in stance isn't new, and it's just one of many changes.
In contrast to Saxony and Thuringia, the SPD remains a factor in Brandenburg, but their poll numbers trail behind the AfD. Since 1990, the SPD has been responsible for the state's head of government. However, the Brandenburg SPD wishes to steer clear of the vortex of the traffic light government, which is why Woidke strives to limit campaigning with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other Berlin politicians. "We don't need borrowed fame," he states.
There won't be a campaign with the Chancellor? Almost not
The Chancellor, touring his constituency of Potsdam as an SPD member of the Bundestag during the summer, seems to be dodging questions. While it's not entirely accurate that there won't be a campaign with him, Scholz has been invited to a significant campaign event on August 30 in Potsdam, where hundreds of attendees are expected - but only there.
The CDU under state chairman and top candidate Jan Redmann is already discussing the "double Woidke." Redmann accuses the SPD of criticizing the party in the federal government while SPD members of the Bundestag approve controversial laws. Redmann aims to replace Woidke and move into the state chancellery.
The AfD maintains its lead in polls
During a summer night encounter with the police with 1.3 percent alcohol in his blood on an e-scooter, the CDU man's career hung in the balance. Surprisingly, Redmann's career hasn't suffered much in the polls. Redmann must now pay 8,000 euros for the alcohol-related incident and is still without his driver's license for around six more months.
According to the August poll for Brandenburg, the AfD remains at the top with 24 percent, although these figures are down compared to Saxony and Thuringia. Behind it is a tightly packed field: the SPD trails with 20 percent, followed by the CDU with 19 percent. The new party Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) comes in at 17 percent, and the Greens and the Left must worry about failing to make it back into parliament with 5 percent each. BVB/Freie Wähler only manage 4 percent and would slide below the required 5 percent hurdle, but with a possible direct mandate from top candidate Peter Vida in his constituency, they would still be represented in the state parliament.
Woidke showcases a personal side like never before
The pre-election campaign is in full swing, with Dietmar Woidke virtually on the road every day, engaging with voters at "straw bale festivals." Woidke has also launched his own magazine. At 62, this politician, who typically keeps his private life under wraps, has embraced a personal side like never before during this campaign.
He disclosed to "Bunte" that he met his wife Susanne at a Roland Kaiser concert. The campaign magazine offers glimpses of Woidke as a young farmer, a long-haired youth, and a soldier with short hair. Woidke's love for The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and Depeche Mode is also revealed.
"I am confident we will prevail," says Woidke. He draws strength, among other things, from the relatively high economic growth and the Tesla settlement. "Brandenburg has never developed as successfully as in recent years." On the other hand, Woidke leads other politicians in the state in polls regarding satisfaction with top politicians.
If, however, the AfD becomes the strongest force, and Woidke departs, the main question would be who the strong Social Democrat leader would be.
Finance Minister Katrin Lange from the Prignitz would likely have first claim and the best chances as deputy state leader, as she has support in the party. Science Minister Manja Schulé (SPD) also has potential after a highly successful period marking the construction of the synagogue and the launch of the medical university. SPD parliamentary group leader Daniel Keller is also considered a crown prince. However, these are merely speculations, and none of them are currently commenting on the matter.
Tailwind from the predecessor
Former Minister President Matthias Platzeck supports his successor in the state chancellery and sees Woidke as "by far the greatest potential" as head of government. However, the situation is overall difficult. The former Minister President recognizes the connection between election victory and political future: "The bravery of his step was evident, but it was also logical."
Political scientist Jan Philipp Thomeczek from Potsdam praises Woidke's strategy. "He knows he is more popular than his own party," says Thomeczek. "He's trying to regain a few votes on the final stretch, which I believe could be successful."
AfD anticipates fresh power dynamics
If the AfD leads in the elections, they might not form the government due to other parties' reluctance to collaborate with them. The Brandenburg Office for the Protection of the Constitution views the party as a suspected case of right-wing extremism. In such a scenario, the second-placed candidate could facilitate government formation, and the potential candidate is yet to be determined.
According to AfD's top candidate, Hans-Christoph Berndt, these elections will indeed be significant in reshaping Germany's power dynamics.
The BSW could potentially hold significant sway
The BSW, despite lacking government experience, could exert considerable influence in coalition negotiations. The political scientist Thomeczek clarifies why the BSW is popular in polls, "Essentially, there's a bigger possibility for younger parties to flourish in East Germany as people from East Germany generally have less party loyalty compared to those from West Germany." This could be attributed to the BSW's stances, particularly on foreign policy issues. Woidke continues discussions with the BSW, yet he stresses the importance of pragmatism in government operations.
The Brandenburg SPD is currently trailing behind the AfD in polls for the upcoming Election to the Landtag, which could potentially change the political landscape in the state. If Dietmar Woidke fails to outshine the AfD in the election, he has vowed to depart from state politics.
Despite the AfD maintaining its lead in polls, there are other parties in contention such as the SPD, CDU, and the new party Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), which could impact the election results and potential coalition negotiations.
