BSW Leader:Coalitions Won't Form Without Critique of Ukraine Policy
After the elections in Saxony and Thuringia, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) won't meet with AfD state leader Björn Höcke for coalition discussions in Thuringia. Mohammed Ali, BSW's federal chairperson, expressed her views on ntv's Frühstart show the following morning: "We've outright rejected a coalition with the AfD, so it's unnecessary." The party is out-of-question as a coalition partner due to its extreme-right ideologies and members who align with fascist views. "As long as that's the case, it's not for us."
Despite this, Mohamed Ali is open to the possibility of discussing BSW's involvement in the government in Saxony and Thuringia. She acknowledged, "We are open to engaging in discussions," as they share common interests with the CDU, SPD, and the Left Party in areas like education, health, internal security, and infrastructure. However, meaningful improvements in these sectors for the people of Thuringia or Saxony would be a condition for BSW's participation.
Mohamed Ali mentioned that cooperation with the Left is not off-the-table. "We haven't ruled it out – the Left is a democratic party, so we can interact with them."
Regarding foreign policy, Mohamed Ali set forth conditions for BSW's participation in the government as well. The state governments should advocate for diplomacy and a negotiated solution in the Ukraine conflict, reject the deployment of US intermediate-range missiles in Germany, and adopt a critical stance on arms deliveries to Ukraine.
Unhappy over Linnemann's Criticism
Before potential discussions between the CDU and BSW, comments from CDU General Secretary Linnemann regarding Sahra Wagenknecht have caused frustration within her party. Co-chair Mohamed Ali responded to his analysis with displeasure, stating, "I've taken his comments with disapproval." She disputes Linnemann's idea that Wagenknecht is a simultaneous extreme leftist, right-wing extremist, and communist. "I think Mr. Linnemann may need to reconsider his misguided perspective a little," Mohamed Ali remarked.
This stance could potentially pose challenges to possible coalitions in Saxony and Thuringia. "If the CDU and mainly the state party adhere to such a stance, then it will be impossible to move forward constructively," said the BSW chairperson. We'll see what happens during the talks.
Following the losses of the traffic light parties in the eastern state elections, Mohamed Ali called for early federal elections. "We have a regular federal election coming up in a year – if a change occurs earlier, we would welcome it." The population's discontentment during the state elections served as a clear warning to the traffic light government.
The AfD's extreme-right ideologies and alignments with fascist views continue to prevent any possibility of coalition with them, as stated by Mohammed Ali. Despite this, Ali is open to discussing BSW's involvement in the government in Saxony and Thuringia, particularly with the CDU, SPD, and the Left Party, if there are prospects for significant improvements in key sectors like education and infrastructure.
