In a surprising turn of events, the Social Democrats (SPD) led by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have managed to secure a victory over the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the state election in Brandenburg. Throughout the campaign, the AfD had been leading in the polls, but the SPD staged a remarkable comeback on election day, garnering 31.8% of the vote compared to the AfD's 29.2%, as indicated by exit polls conducted by broadcaster ZDF.

The success for the SPD in Brandenburg comes as a significant boost for Chancellor Olaf Scholz, potentially providing him with a reprieve from internal party discussions regarding his suitability as the chancellor candidate for the upcoming federal election in September. The incumbent SPD premier Dietmar Woidke's distancing from Scholz during the campaign did not deter the party's victory, indicating a strong show of support for the SPD in the state.

Despite the victory in Brandenburg, the SPD continues to face challenges at the national level, with polling numbers currently at just 15%. This marks a decline from their performance in the 2021 federal election where they scored 25.7%. In contrast, the AfD is polling at around 20%, while opposition conservatives are leading at 32%. The ideological coalition formed by Scholz's government is polling at around 30%, trailing behind the conservatives.

The voter turnout in Brandenburg saw a notable increase, rising from 61% in the previous election to 73% in the recent polls. The exit poll highlighted that a significant portion of those who voted for the SPD did so to prevent the AfD from gaining further ground, rather than out of conviction for the party. As Germany navigates through shifting political landscapes and with ongoing upheavals, the results in Brandenburg underscore the unpredictability of the country's political future.