- Intense argument among Ramelow, Voigt, and Höcke in Suhl
Thuringia's Leader Bodo Ramelow from the Left party urged other parties to collaborate before the state election, sincing a single-party administration isn't feasible. Speaking during a discussion with the "Freies Wort" newspaper in Suhl, he noted, "We can't handle a minority government." The winning party among democratic contenders post-September 1st ballot should reach out to others, he suggested. Stating his openness to dialogue, "I'll chat with the CDU if they extend an invitation," Ramelow said.
Sparks flew during the debate, with AfD's top candidate Björn Höcke and Ramelow engaging in heated exchanges, as well as Höcke and CDU's top candidate Mario Voigt. Höcke directed his animosity towards Ramelow, saying, "Your existence here is an offense to many." Ramelow retorted, "I share your sentiment."
Throughout the discussion, Höcke, who referred to CDU and Left as 'cartel parties', garnered frequent applause from the audience. "Are we at an AfD rally or reader's forum?" Ramelow quipped to the attendees.
Energy policy was one of the highly debated topics. Höcke stated AfD's opposition to wind energy and advocated for resuming energy cooperation with Russia. Voigt suggested a mixed-technology energy infrastructure, criticizing Höcke for lacking practical solutions for Thuringia.
According to recent polls, the AfD leads the race with a staggering 30%, while other parties refuse to ally with them. CDU follows at 23%, and Left at 13-14%. The Thuringian Office for the Protection of the Constitution classifies AfD as provenly right-wing extremist and keeps tabs on them.
In light of the approaching Election to the Landtag, Bodo Ramelow emphasized the need for party collaboration, suggesting that a single-party administration isn't viable due to Thuringia's political landscape. Despite the heated exchanges with AfD's Björn Höcke during the debate, Ramelow indicated his openness todialogue with the CDU if they extend an invitation, demonstrating his commitment to potential coalition building.
