SPD governor campaigns as one-woman bulwark against AfD

In the countryside of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a political gathering is taking place at Hasenwinkel Castle. State Premier Manuela Schwesig, representing the Social Democratic Party (SPD), is among the attendees. The election is approaching, and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is currently leading the polls with 37% support.

The SPD, with 33%, is close behind, narrowing the gap in recent weeks. The conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which leads the federal government with the SPD, is lagging behind and aims to surpass the 5% threshold to enter parliament.

The AfD campaign emphasizes "remigration," but local business leaders stress that expelling immigrant workers would be detrimental to the economy. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has an older population and is more affected by demographic changes, making skilled workers crucial for the region's future.

During the event, Schwesig shares her encounters with citizens concerned about high energy prices and the potential loss of employees with immigrant backgrounds. She highlights the issue of prejudice and hostility faced by these employees, questioning who would want to live in such an environment. Schwesig's goal is to prevent the AfD's victory and promote economic and social cohesion in the region.

The SPD is struggling at the state level, with 19% support in opinion polls, while the AfD has 38%. Schwesig aims to distance herself from the federal government and the SPD's junior coalition partner, seeking direct connections with voters. Her campaign focuses on her individual persona, with only her face on posters, adorned with the slogan "The Woman against Blue."

Schwesig emphasizes her criticism of the SPD's federal government policies, particularly the reform of social welfare systems and the mandatory retirement age. She believes the SPD needs to make a comeback, gaining support from discontent within the party and the electorate.