SPD/BSW Coalition in Brandenburg Faces Strains in First Year Amid Internal Tensions

The SPD and BSW coalition in Brandenburg marked its first anniversary in December 2025 amidst significant internal challenges and instability. Dietmar Woidke (SPD) was re-elected Minister President on December 11, 2024, after two rounds of voting, highlighting the fragile nature of the coalition. Stability was further threatened by the departure of four BSW members, although two later rejoined the party while remaining in the faction.

The coalition has been affected by disputes, including controversies over public broadcasting reform—where BSW ministers initially supported changes later rejected by the federal party board—and a faction member’s endorsement of an AfD motion. Tensions escalated with the BSW leadership facing criticism from within, prompting calls for dissenting members to resign.

Despite these issues, SPD’s Björn Lüttmann described the coalition as having been "very successful," citing legislative accomplishments such as passing a double budget for 2025 and 2026, reducing bureaucracy, and introducing new asylum and rent regulations. Political analysts, however, caution that the coalition remains fragile due to its slim majority and the inherent instability of collaborations involving populist parties like BSW. Although the prospect of new elections seems unlikely due to high barriers, SPD would struggle to govern without BSW support.