Social Democrats projected to retain power in north German state of Bremen

BERLIN (AP) — Initial projections showed Germany’s Social Democrats winning regional elections held Sunday in the northern state of Bremen, making it likely they will continue running a city they’ve governed since World War II.

German public broadcasters ARD and ZDF reported that the Social Democrats received about 30% of the vote, ahead of the center-right Christian Democratic Union, which had about 25%.

The Social Democrats’ two junior coalition partners, the Greens and the Left party, were together projected to win more than 20%. Bremen Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte said there were “good reasons” to continue the center-left alliance but added that he would also speak with the Christian Democrats.

A local protest party, Angry Citizens, received more than 10% of the vote, according to German media.

Almost 500,000 voters ages 16 and older in Bremen and its North Sea exclave, Bremerhaven, were eligible to cast ballots. A final tally was not expected before Monday.