Thuringia’s Exploratory Discussions: SPD Doubts “Blackberry Coalition” Feasibility

Negotiations for government cooperation in Thuringia among the CDU, BSW, and SPD are in turmoil due to BSW’s foreign policy demands led by Sahra Wagenknecht. While the SPD expresses skepticism about forming a coalition, the CDU remains more hopeful. Criticism centers on Wagenknecht’s perceived interference and lack of focus on state issues. Despite this, BSW state leaders deny significant dissent and plan to continue discussions, with a new compromise expected in the coming days.

The negotiations for future government cooperation in Thuringia are facing significant challenges, primarily due to the foreign policy demands from the BSW party. While the BSW downplays the risks of unravelling talks, the SPD expresses skepticism about the possibility of reaching an agreement. Discussions are set to resume at the beginning of the week.

The discussions among the CDU, BSW, and SPD regarding a potential coalition in Thuringia are currently stalled. The issues stem from the foreign policy stipulations put forth by the Sahra Wagenknecht-led BSW. Attempts to finalize a “peace preamble” that would precede formal coalition talks have not yielded any positive results so far.

Key concerns revolve around the influence exerted by BSW’s federal leader, Sahra Wagenknecht, who reportedly has dismissed various compromise proposals for the preamble. Georg Maier, the SPD state leader in Thuringia, voiced his doubts about forming a government coalition with CDU and BSW, stating he has little hope for productive negotiations after recent developments.

Wagenknecht Allegedly Hinders Critical Compromises

Maier expressed belief that Wagenknecht’s actions may be aimed at obstructing a coalition between CDU, BSW, and SPD, possibly driven more by her federal ambitions than by actual concern for Thuringia. Criticism has been directed at her for prioritizing national party goals while neglecting critical state issues.

Thuringian CDU Maintains Optimism on Negotiations

On Friday, Wagenknecht intervened during discussions aimed at achieving a foreign policy consensus and introduced a new proposal that the CDU and SPD found unpalatable.

Despite the SPD’s belief that coalition negotiations are unlikely to progress due to Wagenknecht’s ongoing disruptions, the CDU maintains a more optimistic outlook on continuing negotiations, according to MDR THÜRINGEN sources.

Mario Voigt, the CDU leader in Thuringia, emphasized the need for the negotiations to concentrate on local concerns, stating, “It is crucial to focus on issues pertinent to the citizens of Thuringia.” He called for the continuation of talks to address the state’s challenges effectively.

BSW Leaders Insist on Cooperation Despite External Challenges

Katja Wolf, the state head of BSW, refuted claims that the negotiations are at a deadlock. She remained optimistic about finding compromises to benefit Thuringia. Steffen Schütz, BSW Co-Chair, echoed these sentiments, asserting there is no discord between Thuringian leaders and Wagenknecht concerning the proposed peace preamble, though some discussions may be occurring at the Berlin level.

The primary foreign policy positions under discussion include a halt to German arms deliveries to Ukraine, advocating for more diplomatic engagements, and opposing the stationing of US medium-range missiles in Germany. Wagenknecht has also pushed for a coalition with the CDU in Thuringia and Saxony to create a unified stance against CDU leader Friedrich Merz’s approach to Ukraine.

Negotiations are expected to continue on Monday or Tuesday, with sources indicating a 50:50 chance of success moving forward. A renewed attempt for a compromise is anticipated.

CDU, SPD, and BSW Lack Majority in Thuringian Parliament

Currently, the CDU, BSW, and SPD collectively hold 44 of the 88 seats in the Thuringian state parliament. To achieve a majority, they need to secure at least one additional vote from either the Left Party or the AfD.

In Saxony, exploratory talks among the CDU, SPD, and BSW have also encountered difficulties. Disagreements arose following the BSW’s decision to back an AfD proposal for a coronavirus investigation, leading the SPD to halt negotiations with the two other parties.

This article will be updated as new information becomes available.

MDR (fp/rom)/afp

Reported on this topic on October 27, 2024, at 16:43.

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