On May 25, 2025, runoff elections are being held in three districts of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern to determine district leaders and the new mayor of Neubrandenburg, following a first round where no candidate achieved an absolute majority.

Candidates are expressing varying degrees of confidence, with Schult from the AfD feeling optimistic about mobilizing voters, while Benischke from the CDU remains hopeful for victories.

Voter turnout for the first round of these district elections was notably high, ranging from 44.8% to 50.6%, compared to about one-third in the previous elections seven years ago.

The need for these elections arose after the resignation of former mayor Silvio Witt in October 2024, who stepped down due to conflicts with the city council and a lack of support.

In Vorpommern-Rügen, independent candidate Stefan Kerth achieved 49.2% in the first round but will face Carlos Dias Rodrigues from the AfD, who received 27.5%.

In Neubrandenburg, the mayoral runoff features independent candidate Nico Klose, who received 35.7% of the votes, against CDU candidate Frank Benischke, who garnered 24.6%.

For the Mecklenburgische Seenplatte district, the runoff will be contested between Enrico Schult from the AfD, who led with 36.1%, and CDU candidate Thomas Müller, who received 27%.

Parties whose candidates were defeated in the first round are now urging their supporters to back the incumbents in the runoff elections.

In Vorpommern-Greifswald, incumbent Michael Sack (CDU) secured his position with 61.4% of the votes against Inken Arndt (AfD), who received 38.6%.

However, by early afternoon on the day of the runoff, voter turnout was reported to be lower, with only 20.9% in Mecklenburgische Seenplatte and 18.51% in Greifswald.

Despite being classified as a right-wing extremist party by domestic intelligence, the AfD has managed to reach runoff elections multiple times, indicating a significant presence in local politics.

Manuela Schwesig, the SPD state chair, has voiced concerns over the AfD's performance and is calling for unity among democrats to ensure stability in the elections.