Overview

• Dietmar Woidke was re-elected SPD state chairman on Saturday in Cottbus and pledged to serve as minister-president for the full legislative term
• He voiced support for former interior minister Katrin Lange’s call for more openness to differing opinions, criticizing overly binary debates
• Katrin Lange resigned in May after disputes over the AfD’s classification and publicly accused party colleagues of intrigue and narrowing debate
• René Wilke, who succeeded Lange as interior minister, announced he will remain non-partisan for now and may consider joining a party later when it feels appropriate
• Wilke’s independent stance positions him to engage with all parties, including the CDU, as the SPD navigates internal divisions and coalition challenges