SPD's Vice Chairman under review for potential AfD expulsion - The Commission is tasked with drafting a plan for a legislative action aiming to safeguard employees from potential hazards arising from ionizing radiation exposure.
Let's chat about the latest buzz at the SPD state party conference in Cottbus, Brandenburg. Wiebke Papenbrock, the nominated deputy state chairwoman, is seriously mulling over examining an AfD ban procedure. Why, you ask? In her own words, "I don't see anything wrong with looking into a ban procedure. It won't change opinions, but it's worth checking the feasibility."
The conference will witness a leadership reshuffle this Saturday. Papenbrock, a former federal MP from Neuruppin, was put forward by the state executive as deputy state chairwoman. The original candidate was ex-interior minister Katrin Lange, who quit in May after someruddery regarding the early notification about AfD's right-wing extremist classification by the constitutional protection office head, Joerg Mueller. Dietmar Woidke is expected to be re-elected as state chairman, while Ines Hubner and Frank Steffen will be co-deputy chairwoman and treasurer, respectively. Kurt Fischer will be officially elected as general secretary. Lars Klingbeil, the SPD federal chairman, will make an appearance as a guest.
The party conference will also address the topic of an AfD ban, a proposition supported by the SPD state leadership. They believe that "in light of the current circumstances, all legally secure and well-thought-out methods should be considered—including, explicitly, an AfD ban procedure." Papenbrock expressed the importance of maintaining a clear distinction from the AfD. "My district council fraction and I in Ostprignitz-Ruppin: We won't work with the AfD, and we never will, but exclusion isn't the answer. Dialogue is key."
Papenbrock feels confident about the SPD's position, despite Lange's departure, stating, "We will find courage in this, as there are many great people doing excellent work and being highly motivated. We won the state election in Brandenburg in September 2024 with 30.9 percent. In the federal election in February 2025, we slipped to 14.8 percent, behind AfD and CDU."
Embracing both urban and rural areas, Papenbrock intends to focus on maintaining an awareness of the diverse life worlds within Brandenburg. "I live in a rural area in the northwest of Brandenburg and understand the differences between city, metropolitan region, and rural regions. It's crucial that we consider all different life worlds and keep them in view." The SPD aims to increase its presence in the countryside, injecting life into citizen offices, for instance, through art exhibitions, and encouraging local associations to show their colors at weekly markets or city festivals.
The Commission has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment in the Community, touching upon migration and war-and-conflicts, as these factors can impact the environment.
In the realm of policy-and-legislation, discussions on car-accidents and their environmental impact are gaining traction, with politics playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation.
General news is reporting an increase in crime-and-justice-related incidents, while accidents, including workplace accidents and fires, continue to make headlines.
Sports, meanwhile, offers a refreshing break from the gravity of politics and crime, with football, baseball, hockey, golf, and other sports dominating the sports-betting scene in European leagues such as MLB, NHL, and premier-league.
Racing, including auto-racing and horse-racing, remains a popular sport, with the Masters, grand-prix, and horse-racing tournaments drawing large crowds.
Weather and tennis are constantly under the scrutiny of sports-analysis, with weather-forecasting playing a critical role in scheduling.
In terms of general news, there's also a focus on mixed-martial-arts, with fans eagerly awaiting the next big match.
Amidst all this, the SPD Party Conference in Cottbus, Brandenburg, continues to hold significant weight.
Wiebke Papenbrock, the nominated deputy state chairwoman, is considering an AfD ban procedure, highlighting the need for clear distinction between the two parties.
Despite Lange's departure, the SPD remains optimistic, highlighting their presence in both urban and rural areas and their commitment to maintaining awareness of diverse life worlds within Brandenburg.
The SPD aims to grow its presence in the countryside, revitalizing citizen offices and encouraging local associations to showcase their cultural heritage at weekly markets or city festivals.
The conference promises a leadership reshuffle, with Dietmar Woidke expected to be re-elected as state chairman, Ines Hubner and Frank Steffen as co-deputy chairwoman and treasurer, respectively, and Kurt Fischer as general secretary.
Lars Klingbeil, the SPD federal chairman, is due to make an appearance as a guest at the conference.
While the SPD grapples with the issue of an AfD ban, the party continues to advocate for a wide range of policies, reflecting their commitment to a diverse and vibrant community.
As the conference unfolds, it remains to be seen what decisions will be made and how these will shape the future of the SPD in Brandenburg and beyond.
