- The predominant goal in combating right-wing extremism, according to Woidke, is highlighted.
Election Focus on Unity Against Extremism
Brandenburg's SPD leader, Dietmar Woidke, spotlights the battle against extremism as his focal point in the approaching state election, just three weeks before the voting day. "We vow never to let fascism, right-wing extremism, or hatred become the region's guiding principle once again," Woidke declared during an SPD gathering attended by more than a thousand invitees. "My primary goal is to ensure our cherished Brandenburg flag remains untainted by any unsightly stains."
Confidence Amid Poll Struggles
Woidke remains optimistic, despite the SPD lagging behind the AfD at 24 percent and outpacing the CDU at 19 percent and the BSW at 17 percent in the latest Insa poll. "We are strong, we are persistent, and we will triumph in this state election on September 22 - I give you my word," Woidke said, connecting his political future directly to the SPD's success.
Woidke maintained Brandenburg's character as a welcome land of migration, bringing significant economic growth through openness, tolerance, liberty, and democracy. "There is no alternative for this land," he stated. He criticized the AfD heavily, branding them as divisive candidates who perpetuate exclusion and pose a threat to the region.
Scholz's Absence and Rehlinger's Support
Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, was scheduled to address the gathering but arrived later due to a visit to Saxony and did not deliver his intended speech. Woidke had previously stated his preference for steering clear of high-profile figures from Berlin. Supportingly, Saarland's Minister President, Anke Rehlinger, who is a party colleague, encouraged Woidke with a congratulatory "Good luck." "It's not a time for complaints—it's a time for action," Rehlinger said. "Dietmar is an action-oriented individual. The question now is, what kind of society do we wish to construct—one that provides hope or one that doesn't?"
CDU Youth's Placards Debate
The Young Union (JU) Brandenburg was accused of violating legal guidelines by placing eight placards in Potsdam displaying a photo of Scholz and Woidke and the phrase "Two strong voices for Brandenburg - Who votes for Woidke votes for Scholz." The SPD argued the CDU had misused their logo and failed to properly identify the creators of the placards.
Right-Wing Support Surprise
The gathering was unexpectedly joined by CDU politician and ex-Bundestag President Rita Süßmuth, who publicly announced her support for Woidke's campaign. "It's imperative that democratic parties unite," said the 87-year-old Süßmuth. "Dietmar has contributed significantly to this region. He is not a man of empty words, but one of action." When asked if CDU leader Friedrich Merz knew of Süßmuth's support for Woidke, she simply replied, "No."
Despite the intense election campaign, Woidke emphasized the importance of maintaining Brandenburg's values against any extremist influences, stating, "Our election campaign focus is on unity against extremism." With the state election only three weeks away, he pledged, "We will uphold our commitment to ensuring Brandenburg remains a beacon of tolerance and democracy, free from the taint of extremism."
