Coal worker outlines stipulations for alliance formations
In the upcoming weeks and months, coalitions need to take shape based on the election outcomes in Brandenburg, Thuringia, and Saxony. The faction headed by Sahra Wagenknecht might be instrumental in this process. Wagenknecht has been clear about her non-negotiables.
During a podcast for the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung," Wagenknecht emphasized that the coalition agreement for these states must firmly denounce the placement of US intermediate-range missiles in Germany. She also suggested including a clause that urges the federal government to cease relying on military interventions and weapons distribution.
The Wagenknecht-led alliance managed to secure double-digit numbers in the three eastern federal states, making them crucial for forming majority governments. In Thuringia and Saxony, the CDU is contemplating an alliance with the BSW, while in Brandenburg, the SPD is doing the same. However, the BSW's stance against supplying arms to Ukraine, which is under attack by Russia, and against the deployment of US missiles could pose a challenge.
During the FAZ podcast, Wagenknecht mentioned that she would undoubtedly be the BSW's leading candidate in the next national election. She has not yet decided whether she will also contest for the position of chancellor candidate, which will be decided closer to the election. In the spring, she had hinted at the possibility of becoming a chancellor candidate.
Germany's SPD and CDU are paying close attention to Wagenknecht's demands. In Brandenburg, the SPD (32) and the BSW (14) together control 46 out of 88 seats in the new state parliament. The BSW has yet to decide on a joint government in Brandenburg. The CDU state associations in Thuringia and Saxony might require the support of Wagenknecht's party in the formation of a joint government.
The CDU in Thuringia and Saxony might need the support of The Left, led by Sahra Wagenknecht, to form a majority government, given their stance against supplying arms to Ukraine and US missile deployment. In her FAZ podcast, Wagenknecht also emphasized that a coalition agreement in the eastern federal states must denounce the placement of US intermediate-range missiles in Germany.
