After recent state elections in Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg, government formation is faltering, primarily due to the influence of Sahra Wagenknecht and her BSW party. While coalition talks are stalling, particularly in Saxony and Thuringia, Brandenburg shows promise with advancing negotiations between the SPD and BSW. CDU leaders express concerns that Wagenknecht’s demands on foreign policy hinder potential agreements, leaving the political future uncertain in these eastern states.
The aftermath of state elections in three eastern German states has led to challenges in government formation, particularly in Thuringia and Saxony. Key issues involve BSW’s influence and strategic decisions regarding coalition partnerships.
Sahra Wagenknecht’s Influence
The recent state elections have sparked intense negotiations as parties attempt to establish coalitions. The BSW, led by Sahra Wagenknecht, is playing a pivotal role in this process in Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg. Wagenknecht, asserting her independence from Berlin while emphasizing specific policy requirements, has contributed to a climate of uncertainty among political leaders.
CDU’s Stance
According to Andreas Jung, deputy leader of the CDU, the situation in Thuringia and Saxony presents clear challenges. In a statement on ZDF, he pointed out that “Sahra Wagenknecht is the problem,” highlighting her impact on the coalition-building process. Preliminary discussions between the CDU and BSW have taken place, but Jung criticized Wagenknecht for potentially undermining pragmatic local negotiations.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU, reiterated the party’s unwavering principles in the ARD program “Report from Berlin,” indicating a firm stance against any deviation from NATO commitments or support for Ukraine. He accused Wagenknecht of lacking genuine interest in government participation in eastern Germany, with Ukraine aid being a non-negotiable requirement for the CDU.
The Thuringia Dilemma
In Thuringia, coalition talks involving the CDU, BSW, and SPD have hit a roadblock. The most recent elections revealed the AfD securing the highest votes at 32.8%, though they lack viable coalition options. The CDU and BSW trailed with 23.6% and 15.8%, respectively, while the SPD garnered 6.1%.
Georg Maier, state leader of the SPD, expressed concerns that foreign policy differences might derail the proposed “blackberry” coalition. He noted that Wagenknecht has raised obstacles to these discussions, declaring that significant foreign policy matters need resolution first. Although attempts were made to create a compromise between the CDU and SPD, reports suggest that Wagenknecht rejected the proposal.
With no clear majority emerging in the Thuringian parliament, coalition possibilities remain uncertain, particularly given the CDU’s resolution on incompatibility regarding partnerships with the AfD or BSW.
Saxony’s Coalition Talks
Similar stalling has occurred in Saxony, where the SPD halted talks with the CDU and BSW. This interruption followed a dispute regarding BSW’s support for an AfD motion concerning a coronavirus investigation. The leaders from the CDU, BSW, and SPD later convened to address misunderstandings, aiming to enhance their collaboration moving forward.
The recent state elections indicated that the CDU leads with 31.9% of the vote, closely followed by the AfD at 30.6%. With the CDU categorically ruling out alliances with both the AfD and the Left Party, the prospect of a coalition involving the CDU, BSW (11.8%), and SPD (7.3%) stands out as the only viable path to form a majority government.
Brandenburg’s Positive Momentum
Contrastingly, Brandenburg’s political landscape shows promising developments, as the SPD and BSW have made significant strides in their coalition discussions. Acting Minister President Dietmar Woidke announced that negotiators are advocating for the initiation of formal coalition talks. This collaboration includes Robert Crumbach from the BSW, who highlighted substantial agreement during discussions.
With both the SPD and BSW achieving a combined majority in the Brandenburg parliament after the September elections—30.9% for the SPD and 13.5% for the BSW—the focus now shifts to finalizing coalition arrangements. Neither party is inclined to partner with the AfD, further solidifying their collaborative momentum.
As the political landscape evolves, the complexities surrounding government formations in Thuringia, Saxony, and Brandenburg remain under close scrutiny. Each state’s dynamic presents a unique challenge, with the outcomes set to significantly influence the region’s future governance.