Following AfD’s victory in Thuringia, race in one of smallest German states in terms of population becomes focus of attention

About 2.5 million Brandenburgers are eligible to vote today in what may be one of the smallest German states population-wise, comprising a belt of rural, and suburban settlements surrounding Berlin.

Yet, with its predicted boost for the far-right party, the race is drawing a huge amount of attention that belies the state’s size. Three weeks ago, the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) upended the status quo with its win in Thuringia – the first time a far-right force had won a state election in post-war Germany – accompanied by a strong second place in neighbouring Saxony with more than 30%.