Germany's SPD Wins Brandenburg Election but Faces Coalition Challenges

The Social Democrats narrowly defeated the far-right AfD but must negotiate with a hard-left party to form a government.

The SPD won 31% of the vote in Brandenburg, narrowly beating the AfD, which received 29%.
The SPD must now negotiate with the hard-left BSW party to form a coalition government.
The AfD's strong performance, especially among young voters, signals a growing influence in eastern Germany.
Federal coalition partners, the Greens and FDP, failed to secure seats in the Brandenburg state parliament.
Economists warn that the rise of the AfD could negatively impact the region's economy by deterring skilled workers.