Exit Polls Show Reprieve for Scholz as SPD Fends Off Far Right in Brandenburg Election

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) appear to have narrowly held off the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the Brandenburg state election, according to exit polls. Despite trailing for much of the campaign, the SPD garnered 31.8% of the vote, while the AfD followed closely with 29.2%, according to ZDF broadcaster exit polls. This success may provide temporary relief for Scholz amid ongoing discussions within the SPD about his potential candidacy for the federal election in September 2025.

However, the victory is unlikely to significantly boost Scholz’s standing as Dietmar Woidke, Brandenburg’s SPD premier, distanced himself from the Chancellor and criticized federal policies during the campaign. SPD General Secretary Kevin Kuehnert acknowledged the party’s challenges but noted that the SPD had staged a “furious comeback” in the final weeks of the election.

According to an ARD exit poll, three-quarters of SPD voters cast their ballots to prevent the AfD from gaining control, with turnout reaching 73%, up from 61% in the previous election. On a national level, the SPD is polling at just 15%, significantly behind the opposition conservatives at 32% and the AfD at around 20%.

The election also highlighted growing dissatisfaction with Scholz’s coalition government, which has faced criticism for its internal conflicts and handling of immigration. Voters in eastern Germany have been particularly critical of the government’s support for Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion.

The election follows the AfD’s recent historic win in Thuringia, where it became the first far-right party to top a state election since World War II. In Brandenburg, the AfD gained 5.7 percentage points compared to the last election in 2019, signaling continued momentum. AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla noted strong support from young voters, echoing trends seen in far-right parties across Europe.

Meanwhile, the newly formed leftist Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht came in third with 12%, followed by the conservatives at 11.6%. This result underscores the ongoing shifts in Germany’s political landscape, making future predictions difficult. The Greens, a junior partner in Scholz’s federal coalition, fell just short of the 5% threshold needed to enter the state parliament, while the Free Democrats (FDP) failed to make a significant impact.

 

Rare Magritte Painting Expected to Set Auction Record at $95 Million

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A rare masterpiece from René Magritte’s renowned L’empire des lumières series is anticipated to break auction records at Christie’s New York this fall. The 1954 painting, part of a 27-work series where Magritte juxtaposes a sunlit sky with a darkened street scene, is estimated to sell for over $95 million. If it reaches this price, it will surpass the Surrealist artist’s previous auction record and mark a significant success for the auction house amid an industry-wide dip in sales.

The painting is part of the estate of Mica Ertegun, an esteemed interior designer and widow of Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun, a notable art collector. The sale will feature additional works from her collection, including pieces by Joan Miró, David Hockney, and a Polaroid portrait of Ertegun by Andy Warhol.

Max Carter, Christie’s vice chairman for 20th and 21st century art, praised the work as “arguably the finest” in the L’empire des lumières series, lauding its “balance and restraint.” He added that it reflects Ertegun’s own aesthetic vision.

The dedicated evening sale of Ertegun’s collection will take place on November 19 in New York, followed by daytime and online auctions. Proceeds from the sale will go toward various philanthropic causes that Ertegun supported, including Oxford University’s Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the World Monuments Fund.

Christie’s has reported a 22% decline in sales for the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, but the auction house remains optimistic. The sale of this Magritte work, along with other high-profile lots, could provide a much-needed boost to Christie’s revenue.

 

Weakened and Infiltrated, Hezbollah Vows ‘Battle Without Limits’ Against Israel

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A recent Israeli airstrike targeted a Hezbollah meeting in Beirut, killing 45 people, including women and children, along with 16 Hezbollah militants, including senior commanders. The attack marked one of the most significant blows to Hezbollah’s military structure in its over 40-year history, revealing a severe breach in its communication systems. Israeli infiltration of Hezbollah’s ranks enabled a series of devastating attacks, leaving the group weakened and sowing panic within its leadership.

Lebanese officials responded by increasing security measures, emphasizing the impact of Israeli infiltration. Hezbollah, known for its secrecy and military strength, now finds itself vulnerable as it faces a new phase in its long-standing conflict with Israel. The group initially engaged in limited confrontations with Israel to support Hamas but now finds itself in a much deeper conflict, with heavy losses and growing pressure to retaliate.

In a statement following the Israeli airstrike, Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, declared an escalation, calling it “a battle without limits.” The group retaliated by launching one of its most forceful attacks in years, targeting an Israeli airbase and military industry site. While Israel has not confirmed all the strikes, the event signals a significant shift in the dynamics of the ongoing conflict. Hezbollah’s use of new medium-range missiles, the Fadi-1 and Fadi-2, indicates the group’s attempt to restore its deterrent power against Israel.

Despite the losses, Hezbollah’s leadership and supporters remain defiant. At a funeral for three fighters killed in the recent strike, mourners emphasized their continued loyalty to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and the group’s cause, even in the face of severe setbacks. As both sides brace for further escalation, the unwritten rules of engagement between Hezbollah and Israel are being tested in unprecedented ways.