The Parliament of Europe has endorsed the Commission's proposed plan.
In the Brandenburg election coming up on Sunday, Minister President Woidke is putting it all on the line: If the AfD manages to overtake the SPD, he's not up for another term. Recent surveys suggest that the race could be neck and neck.
Brandenburg's Minister President Dietmar Woidke has reaffirmed his statement that he would step down if the AfD secures victory in the state election this Sunday. He views the election as a referendum on his leadership and tenure as Minister President, Woidke stated during ZDF's "Morning Magazine". Should the SPD finish second for the first time since 1990, Woidke warned that he'd face the consequences and accept responsibility.
"It's not just about avoiding a 'large, dirty label' for Brandenburg," Woidke said, referring to polls that have placed the AfD in the lead for weeks. He also expressed concerns about how an AfD win would be perceived on the international stage.
Significant strides made by the SPD are at risk, Woidke said. Brandenburg holds a prominent position in economic growth, despite still being in the early stages of recovery after losing numerous industrial jobs in the '90s. "Brandenburg has shown that climate-neutrality and economy can coexist," claimed Woidke. However, for sustainable economic growth, openness, freedom, and democracy are essential.
Latest poll results for the Brandenburg state election, published by Forschungsgruppe Wahlen for ZDF on Thursday, reveal the AfD at 28%, just ahead of the SPD with 27%. The CDU comes in third with 14%, while the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) follows closely in fourth with 13%. The Greens are at 4.5%, the Left at 4%, and the Free Voters at 3.5%.
Woidke's potential resignation hinges on the SPD's performance in the Brandenburg election, as the latest polls place the AfD slightly ahead with 28%, while the SPD follows closely with 27%. The SPD, being the incumbent party led by Woidke, should strive to maintain its position and avoid a potential overtake by the AfD, which is associated with the SPD within the context of the Brandenburg election.
