Germany’s Social Democrats Edge Out Far-Right in Narrow Win

Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s party narrowly defeated the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in a state election in Brandenburg. Though state elections don’t directly impact the national government, they are viewed as a barometer for the political mood in Germany, which will hold federal elections next year.

Scholz’s government remains deeply unpopular, with his party polling at 14 percent. Many voters admitted to supporting the Social Democrats primarily to block the AfD from gaining power, according to polls conducted by public broadcasters.