In the recent Brandenburg state elections, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, led by Hans-Christoph Berndt, emerged as a significant force, securing 29.2% of the vote, just behind the SPD's 30.9%.

Berndt, known for his dual persona of a calm conversationalist and a fiery orator, has been classified by the state’s intelligence as a right-wing extremist.

Despite this, he remains a prominent figure in the AfD, advocating for policies like the abolition of the public broadcasting system and criticizing the current migration policies.

The AfD's performance in Brandenburg is seen as a precursor to their strategy for the 2025 federal elections, with party leaders expressing optimism about their growing influence.

However, the party's controversial stance and rhetoric continue to spark debate and concern among political observers and the public.