Woidke links political future to election victory in parliamentary elections
Brandenburg's Minister-President Dietmar Woidke ties his political fate in office to a victory for his SPD in the September state election. "My goal is to win against the AfD - and if I lose against the AfD, I'm out," said the SPD's top candidate in Potsdam.
"I won't negotiate with anyone if I end up in second or third place." Woidke expressed optimism, given high popularity ratings, that the SPD could win the election.
Unlike the previous election campaign five years ago, the party is focusing more on personalization earlier on. "The people of Brandenburg know me - and that's a crucial asset for the campaign," he said.
Woidke is one of the longest-serving government heads in Germany. He has been in power for over ten years. The SPD's campaign is heavily focused on the Minister-President and state chairperson. A large poster shows him with the slogan "It's about Brandenburg". On another poster, the 1.96-meter tall Woidke is featured with the words "Brandenburg needs Greatness" - without the SPD letters.
On September 22, a new state parliament will be elected in Brandenburg. In the latest Insa poll for Bild newspaper from mid-July, the SPD was in second place with 19 percent, behind the AfD with 24 percent and just ahead of the CDU with 18 percent. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) followed with 17 percent.
If Woidke's SPD achieves victory in the September state election, his tenure as Minister-President of Brandenburg will be secured. Despite the challenging political landscape, Woidke remains hopeful, citing his high popularity ratings as a potential boost.
