Both BSW and CDU aim to obstruct the parliamentary leader role of AfD.
It seems like a trivial matter, but it could potentially have significant consequences: the selection of the President of the Thuringian Parliament's legislature. Given their majority in the state parliament, the most influential party, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), has the authority to propose a candidate. However, this could result in a gridlock, something the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Alliance for Progress and Democracy (BSW) are hoping to avoid.
In an attempt to alter the parliamentary proceedings, the CDU and BSW plan to propose amendments to the rules during the initial parliamentary meeting on the following Thursday. This proposed amendment would allow candidates from all parties to be nominated starting from the first round of voting, a privilege currently held by the strongest party.
As the victor of the September 1st state election, the AfD holds the most seats in the parliament and, by right, proposes a candidate in accordance with the existing rules. However, under the present system, other parties can submit alternative candidates only from the third round onwards.
Höcke Warns of "Historic Infringement"
The remaining parties, encompassing the CDU, BSW, Social Democratic Party (SPD), and The Left Party, oppose an AfD figurehead in the presidential position. Conversely, the AfD is adamant about securing the position and has put forward MP Wiebke Muhsal as their candidate. AfD faction leader Björn Höcke has cautioned the other parties against a "further historic infringement" in anticipation of the vote.
Experts are worried that the oldest MP, expected to preside over the election of the parliament's president and most likely affiliated with the AfD, may potentially disallow proposals from other parties. This could lead to a time-consuming legal challenge at the Constitutional Court and a potential deadlock. With no president of the parliament in place, the newly elected parliament cannot commence its operations or select a new Minister President.
To circumvent this, the proposed amendment seeks to modify the rules so that candidates can be put forth by all parties from the outset - even in the very first round of voting. According to a CDU faction spokesperson, a simple majority of the parliamentarians' votes is necessary for this change – reaching 45 votes.
"We can't allow the Thuringian Parliament to be tarnished as an institution," explained the CDU faction's parliamentary manager, Andreas Bühl, regarding the proposed amendment in relation to the AfD. "We require a parliamentary president who possesses the necessary format and personal qualities to fulfill their duty as the safeguard of democracy."
The parliamentary manager of the BSW faction, Tilo Kummer, stated in Erfurt that the aim was to establish a "legally secure procedure" for the inaugural session of the Thuringian Parliament. "We seek to avoid lengthy disputes and promptly bring about a functioning parliament."
The CDU and BSW believe that the proposed amendment can help prevent a gridlock, as it allows candidates from all parties to be nominated from the first round of voting. Tilo Kummer, the parliamentary manager of the BSW faction, emphasizes the importance of establishing a "legally secure procedure" to ensure a prompt and functioning parliament.
Under the current rules, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has the authority to propose a candidate, but the CDU and BSW hope to change this with their amendment, granting candidates from all parties equal opportunity from the beginning.
