BSW refutes CDU leader Merz's allegation of extremism.

Political gatherings and social events. - BSW refutes CDU leader Merz's allegation of extremism.

"Will Mr. Merz's intentions be to leave behind a scorched earth in Saxony and make the Free State impossible to govern? We can't conceive of the federal CDU agreeing with this stance from the East German CDU state branches," Zimmermann emphasized. The impending internal conflicts within the CDU in light of this position are certainly heartening to hear. After all, with this stance, the diminished CDU in Saxony would block any hope of escaping - unless they seek a coalition with the AfD.

The context for these remarks derives from the surprising electoral success of the BSW in both the European and municipal elections in Saxony, with the party grabbing 12.6% of the votes in the European elections in the region and securing two-digit scores in current surveys for the state election. The ensuing state election on September 1st could see the Union reliant on the BSW as a coalition partner.

CDU party leader Merz was vocal in his disapproval of concluding a pact with the BSW. Asked whether he would contemplate a partnership with the BSW to prevent right-wing minister-presidents in the East, he stated: "Clearly, we've always maintained that stance. We collaborate with neither right-wing nor left-wing parties." Sahra Wagenknecht is both left-leaning and right-leaning, he added.

Saxon CDU Secretary General Alexander Dierks remained silent on the issue on Tuesday. Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) focused on addressing people directly: "The most important thing at this time is to talk to people about their hopes and concerns," he said in Leipzig. Conversations were the only thing that could resolve the current situation.

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1. In response to Merz's accusations, the BSW firmly denounced any notion of extremism, asserting that they are committed to democratic principles.
2. The strength of the BSW in recent elections has put them in a pivotal position, potentially forcing the CDU to consider a coalition with them in the upcoming State election.
3. Wagenknecht, a prominent figure in German politics, is often categorized as having both left-leaning and right-leaning views, which Merz finds challenging when it comes to potential alliances.
4. The state election on September 1st is shaping up to be a significant battlefield, with the Union potentially needing the BSW as a coalition partner to prevent right-wing minister-presidents.
5. In Dresden, the strong showing of the BSW in polls has sparked discussions within the CDU, with some weighing the pros and cons of a potential alliance with them.
6. The AfD, another prominent party in Saxony, may find themselves benefiting from internal conflicts within the CDU, particularly if the CDU decides against a coalition with the BSW.

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