Voting Process Underway - Eastern Alliance: Merz highlights separation from Wagenknecht
The head of the CDU, Friedrich Merz, expressed his disapproval of teaming up with the left-wing group Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) in a recent interview. When prompted if his party would consider partnering with the BSW to block AfD leaders in the east, Merz informed ARD's "Brennpunkt" on Monday evening, "We've always said it, we don't work with right-wing and left-wing parties." He further added, "Ms. Wagenknecht falls into both categories: she's right-wing on some matters and left-wing on others." Merz stated their goal, "We aim to secure majorities."
This September, state elections will occur in the eastern German regions of Brandenburg, Saxony, and Thuringia. The rising prominence of the AfD in the east may hinder the formation of a majority. The newly-formed BSW, boasting significant popularity in eastern Germany, could potentially become a significant force.
The CDU has previously rejected partnerships or similar arrangements with the AfD and the Left through a congress resolution. Yet, no definite standpoint towards the BSW has been taken as of now. The party rose from obscurity to securing 6.2% in the last European elections.
In an interview with ZDF a month ago, Merz dismissed the possibility of a coalition with the BSW in the east, stating, "We don't hold coalition talks, neither within the party nor publicly, but rather we advocate for the CDU." It's conventional practice not to discuss coalitions before the election dates.
The deputy CDU leader, Karin Prien, hadn't ruled out an alliance with the BSW in the eastern states in early May. Prien, who's also the Education Minister in Schleswig-Holstein, said, "We'll have to examine the personalities running for the BSW and the political aims of their election programs. Only then we'll be able to decide if there's potential for collaboration with the BSW at the local level."
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In the realm of German politics, Merz's perspective on working with BSW is clear, rejecting partnerships with both right-wing and left-wing parties. The European elections saw BSW gaining 6.2% support, signifying a notable presence. Merz represented the CDU during the September state elections in Brandenburg, Saxony, and Thuringia, regions where the AfD's prominence could hamper majority formation. While the CDU has historically distanced itself from the AfD and the Left, no formal stance regarding BSW has been announced yet. In a conversation with ZDF, Merz dismissed the prospect of a coalition with BSW in the eastern states. However, in early May, deputy CDU leader Karin Prien hadn't ruled out potential collaboration with BSW at the local level, subject to an examination of their personalities and election programs.
In the wider political landscape of Germany and Europe, these decisions and relationships between parties hold significant implications for the collective political direction of the nation.
