In the run-up to the Brandenburg state elections, party leaders engaged in a heated televised debate, primarily clashing over migration. SPD's Dietmar Woidke highlighted Brandenburg's reliance on foreign professionals and called for a 'climate of openness'.
In contrast, CDU's Jan Redmann argued that the population is overwhelmed by migration, advocating for stricter deportation and limits on immigration. AfD's Hans-Christoph Berndt echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that those no longer needing asylum should be sent back to ease financial burdens.
The Left's Sebastian Walter and Benjamin Raschke disagreed, arguing that deporting all foreigners would not solve Brandenburg's issues. They emphasized that high-skilled migrants would be deterred if more parties adopted AfD's stance.
Raschke described the migration debate as a 'competition of pettiness', stressing that integration should be a well-funded, continuous effort. Other topics, such as Tesla's establishment in Brandenburg, were discussed.
While BSW's Robert Crumbach criticized Tesla's reliability, most candidates praised its presence, with Woidke defending Tesla's water usage. With the election approaching, polls show the AfD leading, followed by the SPD.
Woidke has announced he will step down if the SPD fails to secure first place, a position held since 1990. All major parties have ruled out a coalition with the AfD, with Woidke currently governing alongside CDU and Greens.
