Brandenburg's Green Party Sees Significant Membership Growth

The political landscape in Brandenburg has experienced notable changes in party membership over the past year, with the Green Party emerging as the leader in membership growth among major political entities. Despite not holding a seat in the state parliament, the Greens recorded a membership increase, reflecting a broader trend in the region.

As of the end of 2024, the Green Party reported a total of 3,456 members, marking an increase of 778 members or 29% from the previous year. This upward trend has continued into early February, with membership numbers reaching approximately 3,660, signifying a gain of over 200 members since the start of the year. The party has noted a higher influx of female members, suggesting a shift in demographic engagement.

Hanna Große Holtrup, the regional leader of the Green Party, indicated that the party's clear policy direction has resonated with the public, particularly in recent months, contributing to this positive momentum.

Following the Greens, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party also reported a significant rise in membership. The AfD's membership increased from 2,183 to 2,771 members, an increase of 112 members or 27%. The party has seen continued interest, with 143 new memberships recorded in December 2024 and January 2025 alone, alongside 437 applications currently being processed. The party's regional leader has emphasized that this growth reflects a significant societal shift, despite the party being classified as a potential right-wing extremist group by the state's constitutional protection agency.

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) reported a modest membership increase, rising from 5,383 to 5,420 members, which translates to an increase of 37 members or approximately 0.7%. Meanwhile, the Left Party reported a slight membership increase as well, growing from 4,087 to 4,118 members, a net gain of 31 members or about 0.8%. The Left Party has also seen a surge in new memberships in the early months of 2025, reaching 4,576 members as of early February.

In contrast, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) experienced a slight decline in membership, with numbers dropping from 5,811 to 5,795, a decrease of 16 members or 0.3%. The SPD reported a relatively stable membership situation, with 356 new members joining while 305 left the party over the past year.

The Brandenburg Branch of the Socialist Workers' Party (BSW) has reported around 60 members, with more individuals currently undergoing the application process. The BSW, which was established only last year, maintains a strong interest in membership as it continues to build its presence in the region.

These membership trends reflect an evolving political environment in Brandenburg, with the Green Party leading the charge in attracting new members, while other parties also work to engage constituents and bolster their ranks in anticipation of future elections.