BSW Faction Leader Lüders: "It's a Snake Pit" - Brandenburg's CDU seizes power after coalition collapse and early elections
Brandenburg's political landscape has shifted dramatically after months of turmoil. The SPD-BSW coalition collapsed in January 2026 following bitter infighting within the BSW's parliamentary group. The fallout triggered early elections and a new power balance in the state.
The crisis began when several BSW lawmakers abandoned both the party and its faction. Tensions escalated until the SPD ended the alliance in early 2026. The state was left in deadlock, forcing early elections on 1 March 2026.
The CDU emerged as the strongest party with 30% of the vote. Minister President Manfred Schmidt's party, previously in opposition, now leads a coalition with the SPD and Greens. This marks a sharp turnaround for the CDU, which now dominates Brandenburg's government.
BSW's parliamentary leader, Niels-Olaf Lüders, later criticised the political fallout. He called the internal conflicts a 'snake pit' and claimed the disputes were exaggerated or even fabricated. Lüders admitted the episode served as a harsh lesson in how quickly young parties can unravel under pressure.
Last week, the SPD and CDU finalised a new coalition agreement. The deal cements the CDU's central role in Brandenburg's government after years outside the executive.
The CDU now holds the top position in Brandenburg's government, replacing the failed SPD-BSW partnership. Early elections resolved the deadlock, but the BSW's rapid decline highlights the risks of internal division. The new coalition will shape the state's policies for the coming term.
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