Panic in the East: Schwesig Blames Berlin for the Rise of the AfD

When election prospects sour, established politicians suddenly develop a keen ear for the grievances of ordinary citizens. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Social Democratic Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig finds herself in just such a squeeze. With state elections approaching on September 20, Schwesig has taken to the pages of Der Spiegel to deliver a harsh verdict on her party's performance in Berlin, while simultaneously taking aim at her primary political rivals.

The math behind her public intervention is straightforward. A recent INSA poll commissioned by the Nordkurier places the AfD comfortably ahead at 36 percent, while Schwesig's SPD lags behind at 29 percent. The Left Party and the CDU sit further back at 11 and 10 percent. Faced with these dismal projections, Schwesig has chosen to break ranks with the federal government, blaming Berlin's constant internal squabbling and lack of decisive action for the rise of the opposition.

In her diagnosis, commuters driving to work every day face soaring fuel prices and an escalating cost of living, only to watch the federal coalition bicker instead of providing relief. This perceived indifference has convinced many voters that the political establishment simply does not care about their daily burdens. Schwesig noted that merely labeling the AfD as radical or far-right is a failed strategy; the SPD must instead confront the tangible problems facing the electorate. Naturally, such outspoken commentary from an eastern state leader has fueled speculation that Schwesig is quietly positioning herself for a future bid at the federal party chair.

At the same time, Schwesig sought to tear down the AfD's populist appeal by characterizing it as an asocial party. She cited several local policy stances to support her claim, noting that the AfD opposed abolishing daycare fees, rejected public procurement laws bound to collective bargaining agreements, and voted against aid packages meant to safeguard jobs in regional shipyards.

She also targeted the party’s ongoing failure to distance itself from radical elements. Highlighting the case of AfD candidate Tommy Thormann, who made headlines for threatening political opponents before stepping back under pressure, Schwesig argued that calculated intimidation followed by tactical retreat is a standard pattern for the party. She further pointed out that the AfD’s state general secretary possesses a history in neo-Nazi circles. Whether this double-edged strategy of blaming Berlin while attacking the opposition will close the seven-point gap before election day is the gamble Schwesig is now taking.

Written by Martina Kirchner martina.kirchner@alpineweekly.com