German Far Right Eyes Victory in Scholz's Stronghold: A Political Shift in Brandenburg

Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff

V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe.

---

Image Source : Ewan Somerville

A Historic Challenge to SPD Dominance in Eastern Germany

The far right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is on the verge of a potentially historic victory in Brandenburg, a region long considered a stronghold of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD). Since German reunification in 1990, Brandenburg, located near Berlin, has been consistently governed by the SPD. However, as two million voters prepare to cast their ballots in a fiercely contested regional election, the AfD stands a real chance of upsetting the status quo.

A Potential Blow to Scholz’s Leadership

While an outright victory for the AfD remains uncertain, any success for the far right party in Brandenburg would be a symbolic blow to Chancellor Scholz, whose residence is in the state's capital, Potsdam. Such a result would raise questions about his leadership abilities as the SPD gears up for next year’s federal elections. Scholz's approval ratings have been slipping, and a defeat in this key state could complicate his hopes for a second term.

Far Right Gains Momentum

The AfD has been riding a wave of electoral successes recently, marking its first win in a state election in Thuringia on 1 September and narrowly missing out on victory in Saxony. While classified as an extremist group in some regions, the AfD’s growing popularity highlights the deepening concerns over economic instability, immigration, and the ongoing war in Ukraine issues that resonate particularly strongly in eastern Germany, including Brandenburg.

Brandenburg: The SPD’s Traditional Bastion Under Threat

Brandenburg has long been seen as the SPD’s traditional heartland, consistently winning elections in the sparsely populated state since reunification. Yet, despite the SPD's deep roots, the AfD has been polling slightly ahead, bolstered by increasing support among younger voters. The party’s candidate for state premier, Hans Christoph Berndt, cast his vote with confidence, emphasizing the growth in AfD support since the last state election in 2019.

A Divided Response to AfD’s Rise

Despite the AfD's rise in the polls, it is unlikely to enter regional government, as all other major political parties have ruled out any cooperation with the far right group. Chancellor Scholz has been urging opposition parties to maintain a "firewall" against the AfD to prevent it from gaining governmental power. He recently described the far right's successes in Thuringia and Saxony as "bitter" and "worrying," signaling his concerns about the AfD's influence.

Uncertain Outcome with Many Voters Undecided

Although the AfD has been leading in polls, a significant portion of the electorate more than 25% remains undecided, leaving the outcome uncertain. As polls close at 18:00 local time, the first exit polls and projections will reveal whether the AfD can secure a symbolic victory in this historically left-leaning state. A win for the far right would not only embarrass Scholz but also signify a deeper political shift in Germany’s eastern regions.

China introduces a series of initiatives to stimulate the economy

Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff

D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

---

Image Source : Reuters

China Unveils Major Economic Stimulus Measures to Boost Growth

China's central bank has introduced a significant package of measures aimed at reviving the nation's slowing economy. Pan Gongsheng, the Governor of the People's Bank of China (PBOC), revealed plans to reduce borrowing costs and enable banks to expand their lending capacity.

The announcement follows months of disappointing economic data, raising concerns that China, the world’s second-largest economy, may fall short of its 5% growth target for the year.

Following the news, Asian stock markets surged, with major indexes in Shanghai and Hong Kong rising over 4%. During a rare press conference, Pan, along with officials from two other financial regulators, stated that the central bank would lower the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) – the amount of cash banks must keep in reserve. The initial reduction of 0.5 percentage points is expected to release around 1 trillion yuan ($142 billion; £106 billion) into the financial system. Pan also mentioned the possibility of another cut later in the year.

Additional measures to revitalize China's struggling property market include reducing interest rates for existing mortgages and lowering the minimum down payment for all types of homes to 15%. The real estate sector, which has been in decline since 2021, has faced challenges such as bankrupt developers, unsold properties, and unfinished projects.

These new stimulus efforts from the PBOC come shortly after the US Federal Reserve made a larger-than-expected interest rate cut, marking its first reduction in more than four years. The combined effect of these moves has led to a sharp rise in stock prices across key Asian markets.

Russian strike on a Kharkiv apartment building leaves three dead

Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff

D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Israel Gaza war

---

Image Source : Reuters

Russian Airstrike on Kharkiv Kills Three, Injures 3

A Russian airstrike on an apartment building in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv has killed at least three people and left 31 others injured, according to local officials. The attack on Tuesday involved guided glide bombs, targeting residential areas, including a high-rise building, a bakery, and a stadium.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes, saying, "The targets for Russian bombs are ordinary people's daily lives." He shared images of the damaged apartment block, which had a large hole in the middle, calling on allies to help "stop the terror." Zelensky made these remarks while in New York to address the UN General Assembly, urging continued US military support for Ukraine.

Intensifying Conflict in Eastern Ukraine

As Russian forces step up their assault in eastern Ukraine, particularly around the town of Vuhledar, the Kharkiv attack underscores the escalating violence. Shortly after the Kharkiv strike, Zelensky reiterated the need for international assistance, stating, "We just need to stop the terror. To have security. To have a future."

Kharkiv's mayor, Ihor Terekov, reported that the same apartment block had been hit earlier in the war and was nearly repaired before being struck again by a Russian KAB glide bomb.

Use of Glide Bombs in Russian Attacks

Russia has increasingly deployed glide bombs—Soviet-era weapons retrofitted with wings and satellite navigation systems—in recent months. These bombs, known for their cost effectiveness and destructive power, have played a key role in Russia's advances in Ukraine. In May, similar bombs were used in Kharkiv, and just days before, they were deployed for the first time in Zaporizhzhia.

In the latest round of airstrikes, Russia conducted seven attacks using KAB bombs, damaging 13 residential buildings and two educational facilities, leaving 21 civilians injured. Zaporizhzhia was also hit again, resulting in one death and several injuries, including two children.

Russian Advances in Eastern Ukraine

Russian forces have made significant gains in Ukraine's eastern regions, advancing on the coal-mining town of Vuhledar, a strategic point on the Donbas front. Russian military sources claim troops have entered the town's outskirts, though Ukrainian forces report continued attempts to defend their positions.

Russian forces have also progressed in areas near Hlyboke, Kupyansk, and Pokrovsk. In contrast, Ukrainian forces have reportedly made advances in the Kursk region, according to the Institute for the Study of War.