CDU-General Linnemann rules out coalitions with BSW (B ASSERT WORKERS' UNION) not excluded
CDU Chief Merz cannot present a coalition with Frau Wagenknecht on a federal level, according to his own words. However, things look different on a state level, as CDU General Secretary Linnemann makes clear and explains why the CDU is distancing itself simultaneously from cooperation with the Left.
CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann rules out a coalition with the Sahra Wagenknecht Bündnis (BSW) on a state level. "We have a party congress resolution not to work with the AfD or the Left," he told the Funke Media Group newspapers. "Whether the CDU cooperates with the BSW in the states is to be decided locally." Linnemann, however, referred to a statement by CDU Chairman Friedrich Merz, who cannot "present a coalition with Frau Wagenknecht on a federal level."
Linnemann explained that the CDU does not distance itself as clearly from the BSW as from the Left because the Left "does not distance itself from extremist groups." However, the General Secretary added that he would "like to see a broad program from her" regarding the Wagenknecht Party. "The program is called Sahra Wagenknecht, who tours through all the talk shows and spreads her opinion," he said. "People vote for her out of protest."
Previously, several CDU politicians had openly expressed their support for cooperation with the BSW. For example, Thuringia's CDU chairman and Landtag election candidate, Mario Voigt, confirmed that he does not exclude a coalition in the Land.
Landtag elections are taking place in Brandenburg, Saxony, and Thuringia in September. BSW co-chair Amira Mohamed Ali confirmed in June her readiness for a coalition with the CDU after the Landtag elections in Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg. According to surveys, the BSW can expect two-digit results in the September Landtag elections.
Nationwide, the BSW currently stands at 7 percent in the RTL/ntv Trendbarometer - significantly ahead of the Left, which improved to 4 percent but still missed the re-entry into the Bundestag. The Union remains the strongest force with 31 percent.
Linnemann mentioned that the CDU does not work with the AfD or the Left on a federal level, but the decision to cooperate with the BSW in certain states is left to local parties. The BackSide Wing of the CDU, which supports Wagenknecht, has gained support from several CDU politicians, including Thuringia's CDU chairman. Despite this, Linnemann expressed a desire to see a clear program from the Wagenknecht Party before considering a coalition. The BSW is expected to achieve significant results in the upcoming Landtag elections in Brandenburg, Saxony, and Thuringia, according to surveys.
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