"Björn Höcke's demise represents a tragic fate for my beloved nation."
ntv.de: Mr. Voigt, you've been campaigning for quite some time now. Is it fair to assume you're feeling a tad frustrated?
Mario Voigt: Not at all! People are starting to understand the importance of the September 1st election - it's all about political progress in Thuringia. Do we want to move forward or take steps back with Höcke? Many people are eager for change. They want Thuringian issues addressed - teacher absenteeism, economic stagnation, and re-establishing law and order. Our solutions to these problems are well-received, which is why we're gaining momentum in the CDU. I'm feeling optimistic, and the sun is shining in Thuringia.
The polls haven't shown much variation, aside from the BSW's rise in recent months. How do you explain that?
There's still a lot of uncertainty. People are wondering about the future. The SPD has declared that the Red-Red-Green coalition is finished. So, people know that there are two options: a government that promotes stability from the center, or more of the same stagnation. I believe we'll see a similar outcome to the local elections. Ultimately, people will choose the party that offers the best solutions for Thuringian issues. And we in the CDU have the best plans, as our 100-day government program demonstrates.
Do you think you're winning the election against Höcke's AfD?
We sense a growing dissatisfaction with democratic problem-solving capabilities. Something has shifted. Many no longer believe that we can find the right path to success. Many feel that things are getting worse in Germany every day. But we in the CDU aren't just pointing out problems; we're also offering real solutions and taking action. We've shown this with migration and the economy. The people recognize our competence in these areas.
What would happen in Thuringia if the AfD took power and Höcke became Minister-President?
No one will form a coalition with the AfD. Björn Höcke is a threat and a disaster for my homeland. This would have significant consequences for our economic development and job market. Höcke has no governing experience, which is a good thing. A protest vote for the AfD won't change anything in Thuringia. But a vote for the CDU will make a real difference and move us forward.
Thuringia currently has an AfD county commissioner in Sonneberg. What lessons can we learn from his tenure?
I'm not the right person to draw conclusions from the tenure of an AfD county commissioner in Sonneberg.
We've made significant gains in the spring's district and mayoral elections. We now have the mayors of Erfurt, Weimar, Gera, Suhl, Altenburg, and Eisenach. This has never happened before. Many district offices and town halls have welcomed a new generation, and there's a real feeling of renewal. Thanks to our municipal strength, we can deliver on our promises. Unlike the AfD district administrator in Sonneberg, who talks a big game but does nothing, the CDU district administrator Christian Herrgott in the Saale-Orla district has implemented work obligations in communal accommodations. People receiving social benefits should contribute in return. This is a matter of justice. So far, 100 people are involved, with a third already working full-time, and it's working.
The surprising topic that concerns people is the Ukraine war, which has little to do with state politics. How do you explain this to people?
The desire for peace unites us all, including me. I believe it's important to take these concerns seriously. A CDU-led state government would represent the views of Thuringians in Berlin. Diplomatic initiatives need to be more prominent. I often wonder what Annalena Baerbock is doing, besides traveling the world and giving speeches about her personal moral views. Her job is to bring people together and formulate a common European position. However, world politics aren't decided in the Thuringian state parliament. Thuringians know this.
Does the federal CDU's stance on Ukraine harm you? It's clearly pro-Ukraine, pro-weapons deliveries.
The CDU is Europe's largest peace party. Peace and freedom in the EU and NATO have always been the CDU's goal, as it was under Helmut Kohl. It's no coincidence that Putin started the war when the CDU was no longer in power. Michael Kretschmer and I also make our voices heard on the federal level, representing Saxony and Thuringia.
The topic of migration concerns people. Thuringia also needs immigration in the labor market, as the CDU also acknowledges. Is this already too pro-immigrant for Thuringia?
No, quite the opposite. We're open-minded but selective in our immigration policy. We decide who comes to us. People have a keen sense of what's fair. We were among the first in Germany to implement the pay card with a Thuringian CDU district administrator. Others followed. We also advocate for a consistent repatriation policy, which is missing from Berlin's left-green and traffic light coalition.
We require proficient workers in the medical sector. Under the current left-leaning administration, we're now the final region in Germany to acknowledge foreign medical qualifications, which takes close to a year and negatively impacts Thuringia. Approximately one-fourth of the clinic doctors here come from migrant backgrounds. We need a consistent policy towards individuals seeking better opportunities here and utilizing our social services. On the contrary, we need the skilled workers we need. We must reconcile both.
They're advocating for illegal immigration cease. By this, they're referring to refugees migrating to Germany. But how do you propose addressing this from Erfurt, or perhaps is it more of an appeal towards Berlin and Brussels?
Illegal immigration can't solely be resolved through deportations, but by clearly ascertaining who arrives in our country. Saxony and Bavaria have implemented border controls that have shown considerable results. A Thuringian administration could implement similar measures. For instance, through the use of payment cards or employment prerequisites. The coalition government still hasn't grasped this concept. Regardless of how one enters Germany, they can remain - that's not how it works. We need stricter control. Law and order must be maintained. This also implies expelling specific regions in Syria and Afghanistan. A criminal from Afghanistan should be expelled, there's no debate about that.
If you desire to serve as Minister President, you need a coalition partner. A potential ally could be the BSW. During our conversation in May, you stated the party was a mystery. You couldn't define its core beliefs. Have you since gained any new insights?
At the core, nothing has changed. As long as Sahra Wagenknecht pulls the strings for Thuringia from Saarland, we have no grounds for dialogue with the BSW. However, I would be open to discussing Thuringian matters and potential solutions with Frau Wolf. Our issues in Thuringia include high absences in schools, a shortage of family doctors, economic decline, poorest location quality, lagging in digitalization, and leading in bureaucracy. These are the challenges we need to overcome. The stronger the CDU becomes, the more we can accomplish. Everything else will follow after the election.
What do you consider agreements like: In Thuringia, the CDU supports the BSW candidate for Minister President, and in return, the BSW supports Michael Kretschmer in Saxony?
That's absurd, I refuse to entertain such a thought. The BSW has only around 50 members in Thuringia. We fielded 4,500 candidates alone in the local election. To make and implement policies, you require a solid base. We have that, which is why I'm hopeful that the CDU will clearly surpass all other parties.
A collaboration with the AfD is not under consideration. But where does it start, where does it end? Last year, you already worked together to reduce the real estate transfer tax. Will we witness more of such collaborations?
My objective is to lead a government with a stable majority. That's not even a question.
If you could only implement measures against lesson cancellations and doctor shortages in conjunction with the AfD, what then?
Once again: We strive to form a stable government led by the CDU to restore tranquility to Thuringia and advance our nation. We don't need the AfD for that. It's essential to address the people's concerns. Even the concerns of AfD supporters will be acknowledged and addressed by a CDU-led government.
What would your ideal coalition look like?
As everyone is aware, it would have ideally been a Jamaica coalition. But I'm not running for coalitions, I'm running for a strong CDU.
The traffic light coalition should actually disband. It's simply a coalition of convenience now. Green Party leader Nouripour himself stated it's a transitional government. But excuse me, then you should make way. Germany can't waste any more time. We're in a dire economic predicament. Something has shifted. New elections would be advantageous now. If Thuringia could contribute to a strong CDU victory, that would be a positive sign.
Volker Petersen spoke with Mario Voigt
Regarding your question about coalition possibilities, do you still view the BSW as a potential partner, despite their political differences with the CDU?
Despite the differences, I believe it's important to engage in dialogue with all parties that share our commitment to addressing Thuringian issues. However, any potential collaboration would need to be based on shared values and a shared vision for the future of Thuringia.
In light of your ongoing campaign and the upcoming election, what role do you see The Commission playing in this process?
The Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring fairness and transparency in the election process. Its role is to ensure that all parties have equal opportunities to campaign and that the vote is conducted in accordance with the laws of Germany. As a responsible and trustworthy candidate, I welcome the oversight and guidance provided by The Commission.
