Interior Minister perceives AfD veering towards radicalisation
In a recent development, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is leading in polls in both Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt, causing concern among political leaders.
In Brandenburg, the AfD has overtaken the ruling parties of the SPD and the Left Party for the first time. If the state election were held on Sunday, 34% of those surveyed would vote for the AfD, according to the poll. The AfD candidate aiming for a majority in the next Brandenburg state election is not explicitly named, but the AfD is currently polling highest in Brandenburg with the goal of forming a sole government.
The AfD party in Brandenburg has been classified as securely right-wing extremist by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. This classification, combined with the party's growing popularity, has prompted concerns from political leaders. Brandenburg's Interior Minister René Wilke has expressed his worries about the potential radicalization of the AfD party. He stated that if the AfD continues on its current path, he has serious concerns about potential dangerous situations if the party takes over government responsibility in one of the eastern federal states.
Meanwhile, in Saxony-Anhalt, a new state parliament will be elected in 2026. The AfD achieved 39% in a recent poll, a significant increase from the election result in September 2021. This surge in support for the AfD has led Minister Wilke to believe that there is a difference between AfD voters and party officials with conservative views and those who are strongly radicalizing and becoming enemies of the constitution.
The poll results, however, are subject to uncertainties. Decreasing party loyalty and ever more short-term election decisions make it difficult for polling institutes to weigh the data collected. The SPD and the Left Party, currently the ruling parties in Brandenburg, would achieve 33% in the poll, less than the AfD alone. The SPD of Minister President Dietmar Woidke achieved 24% in the poll, a decrease of 7 percentage points compared to the election victory. The Left Party would achieve 9% in the poll, a decrease of 4 percentage points compared to the current situation.
It is important to note that polls reflect the opinion climate at the time of the survey and are not forecasts of possible election outcomes. The election in Saxony-Anhalt is scheduled for 2026, providing ample time for political dynamics to change.
As the political landscape in both Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt continues to evolve, the focus remains on ensuring a democratic and stable future for these regions. The AfD's rise in popularity has sparked a necessary conversation about the direction of these regions and the role of extremist groups in German politics.
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