The Sahra Wagenknecht alliance (BSW) has approved a coalition with the CDU and SPD in Thuringia, with 76 of 104 members voting in favor. Despite some dissent, particularly over peace policies, state chairwoman Katja Wolf defended the coalition as a commitment to peace. The coalition could hold 44 of 88 seats in the state parliament, requiring support from either the Left Party or AfD for a majority, as CDU leader Mario Voigt aims to become Minister President.
Coalition Approval in Thuringia: BSW Aligns with CDU and SPD
The Sahra Wagenknecht alliance (BSW) has officially endorsed a coalition with the CDU and SPD in Thuringia. During a recent state party conference held in Ilmenau, 76 out of 104 BSW members voted in favor of the coalition agreement. This decision comes on the heels of Sahra Wagenknecht’s strong advocacy for the partnership.
Member Sentiment and Coalition Dynamics
At the conference, although the majority supported the coalition with CDU and SPD, there were two abstentions and 26 votes against. The BSW currently consists of 126 members in Thuringia. Prominent figures within the party, including Sarah Wagenknecht, Steffen Schütz, and Katja Wolf, took to the stage to address the membership. Wagenknecht acknowledged the complexities of forming a coalition with multiple partners, particularly noting the challenges in Thuringia compared to Brandenburg.
Despite some dissent among members regarding the coalition with the CDU, particularly concerning peace policies, state chairwoman Katja Wolf defended the alliance. She emphasized that the coalition agreement reflects a significant commitment to peace, addressing concerns that the CDU’s stance could lead to heightened tensions. Wolf reassured members that their voices would be heard in the political arena, aiming to translate public concern into actionable policy.
The outcome of the vote was met with enthusiasm from many members, with the decision to hold a secret ballot being well-received. Co-state chairman Steffen Schütz highlighted the importance of giving a voice to those who feel marginalized in the community.
Both CDU and SPD leaders expressed relief following the BSW’s decision, viewing it as a positive step towards forming a functional government. CDU leader Mario Voigt regarded the approval as a promising signal for the coalition’s future, while SPD leader Georg Maier expressed hope for a favorable outcome in the ongoing SPD member vote.
As it stands, a coalition comprising CDU, BSW, and SPD would hold 44 of the 88 seats in the Thuringian state parliament, necessitating support from either the Left Party or AfD to achieve a majority. Voigt aims to secure election as the new Minister President in the upcoming parliamentary session, where an absolute majority is essential for selection.