Despite finishing in second place in the state election, Minister-President Manuela Schwesig (SPD) expressed satisfaction with her party’s electoral performance. At her party’s celebration in Schwerin on Sunday evening, she addressed cheering supporters, saying, “What a comeback,” and adding, “A year ago, few expected this was possible. And for many, surpassing the AfD seemed impossible even up until today.” She emphasized, however, that the SPD has demonstrated it can offer meaningful opposition to the AfD, which remains strong in Eastern Germany.
According to recent estimates by ARD and ZDF, the SPD averaged 36.0 percent, narrowly trailing the AfD at 37.5 percent. The Left Party followed further behind with 6.8 percent, tying with the Greens, who also received 6.8 percent. The CDU (5.3 percent) and the BSW (4.9 percent) are facing significant challenges. The FDP managed only 1.1 percent, while the remainder of the vote went to various other parties totaling 3.1 percent.
