Distinctions within the CDU on collaborating with the BSW - Thuringian state chapter revealed.
On Monday night, Merz expressly mentioned in ARD that he wouldn't form partnerships with BSW and AfD: "This is always clear - we refuse to work with such right- and left-wing parties." Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of BSW, deemed Merz's dismissal of an alliance as an attempt to make the newly formed German states unworkable. In her opinion, every voter from the east should take into account that opting for CDU facilitates Merz's ambition of cutting pensions even more and transforming Germany into a combatant in the Ukraine conflict via Taurus missile distribution.
BSW General Secretary, Christian Leye, refutes Merz's extremism accusations as being misplaced. In an interview with Welt, he insisted that Merz "needs to grasp the political reality in East Germany." Leye further suggested that the CDU may need to make a decision for the sake of the nation, weighing their beliefs against the cold hard facts about winning a majority.
Thuringia's CDU state and faction leader, Voigt, confirmed that Merz was speaking for the central level. He also remarked that they wouldn't open alliance talks before the election, aiming to become the primary force in Thuringia to institute positive change. Voigt also mentioned this in the Sender Welt television, stating that they "haven't made any resolutions yet." Voigt clearly ruled out a partnership with the AfD and the Left.
Conversing with Stern magazine, Voigt acknowledged discussing issues rationally with Katja Wolf, a former Left politician. Wolf is the BSW's state chairwoman and top candidate in Thuringia. Voigt praised her pragmatism in municipal politics and found more reasonable sentiments from her and the local BSW, specifically on migration and education policies.
In Thuringia, a new State Assembly is to be elected on September 1st. For the past few months, the AfD has held the lead in Thuringia according to polls, followed by the CDU and the Left Party's Minister President Bodo Ramelow. The BSW recorded 16% in the latest stats. In Thuringia, a minority government consisting of the Left Party, SPD, and Greens governs currently.
Hendrik Wüst, North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister President (CDU), declared: "For us, it's evident that we won't join forces with extremists." He also advised caution, urging close examination of the situation and with whom one will actually be collaborating. Furthermore, the complex circumstances of the upcoming state elections in Thuringia, Saxony, and Brandenburg may make coalition formation challenging.
