The AfD, which rails against asylum-seekers, multiculturalism, Islam and Scholz’s three-party government, had hoped to replicate its recent electoral success in the east.
Three weeks ago, it stunned the political establishment by winning its first-ever parliamentary vote – in the eastern state of Thuringia – and coming a close second in neighbouring Saxony.
Despite its ballot box success, the AfD is unlikely to take power in any state since all other mainstream parties have so far ruled out entering into a governing alliance with the party.
“GOLD ONCE, SILVER TWICE”
Brandenburg’s popular SPD state premier Dietmar Woidke had kept his distance during the campaign from party colleague Scholz.
In office for more than a decade, Woidke had also thrown down a challenge to voters, by telling them he would quit if the AfD won.
The AfD, which failed in its aim “to send Woidke into retirement”, nonetheless hailed its strong showing.
Party co-leader Tino Chrupalla said it had “taken gold once and silver twice” in three elections in the east this month.
A visibly relieved Woidke basked in applause by party faithful, celebrating the close win in a race where just weeks ago his party had trailed the AfD in the opinion polls.
The goal, he said, had been to prevent Brandenburg from being marked with a “great, brown stamp”, the colour associated with fascism.
The message appeared to have energised voters, and turnout reached 74 per cent.
