Germany’s Scholz risks Biden’s fate

The upcoming regional election in Brandenburg is critical for Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his Social Democratic Party (SPD), which is currently trailing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in polls. A loss in this election could lead to significant political repercussions, including Scholz's potential ouster and the collapse of the governing coalition with the Greens and FDP. The SPD has faced recent defeats in eastern Germany, raising concerns about its viability in the next federal election. Party leaders are contemplating a shift in strategy, possibly positioning Defense Minister Boris Pistorius as a more popular candidate for the chancellorship in 2025. The SPD's poor performance in federal governance is seen as detrimental to their chances in the Brandenburg election, with regional campaigners distancing themselves from Scholz. The outcome of this election will not only impact the SPD's leadership but also the future of the coalition government, as internal conflicts are expected to intensify regardless of the result. If the AfD wins, Scholz will likely bear the blame, while a victory for the SPD would be attributed to regional premier Woidke, who has campaigned independently of the chancellor. The stakes are high, and the party's future direction hinges on the results of this crucial vote.