"It's necessary to expel a criminal Afghan individual"
On September 1st, Mario Voigt is eager to celebrate. Thuringia is set to elect a new state parliament, with Voigt aiming for a stable majority to become the next minister president. However, the polls indicate a tight race. Despite this, Voigt remains optimistic, discussing his confidence in victory in an interview with ntv.de.
ntv.de: Mr. Voigt, you've been campaigning for over three months. Are we to assume you're feeling frustrated?
Mario Voigt: Not at all! People are starting to understand the importance of the election on September 1st - it's about political change for Thuringia. Many want things to progress, not decline with Höcke. They're interested in Thuringian issues, like teacher absence, economic growth, and law and order enforcement. Since we, as the CDU, have solutions for these problems, we're gaining support. Things are looking up in Thuringia.**
The polls show only minor changes, except for the BSW's recent rise. How do you explain that?
There's still time. People are uncertain about the future. The SPD has declared the end of Rot-Rot-Green. This implies that either there will be a stable government or more stagnation. I believe we'll see results similar to the local elections. Ultimately, people will vote for the party that can effectively address Thuringian issues. And we, the CDU, have the best answers, as our 100-day government program demonstrates.**
Do you feel that you're leading in the election against Höcke and the AfD?
There's a sense of disappointment among people in the democratic process. Many feel we've lost our way. But we, the CDU, don't just point out the problems; we also present solutions and take action. For example, we've made progress in migration and the economy. People recognize our competence.**
What would happen in Thuringia if the AfD gained power and Höcke became minister president?
No coalition will form with the AfD. Höcke is a threat and a disaster for my homeland. His policies would negatively impact economic growth and job opportunities. Höcke lacks options and has no viable government prospects. A vote for the AfD won't change Thuringia's situation, but a vote for the CDU will. It will lead to progress.**
There's already an AfD district administrator in Thuringia, in Sonneberg. What conclusions can you draw from his tenure?
(No response from Mario Voigt)
We've experienced significant gains in our performance in this year's county and mayoral elections. Now, we have mayors in Erfurt, Weimar, Gera, Suhl, Altenburg, and Eisenach. This hasn't happened before. Many county offices and town halls have welcomed a new generation, bringing renewal. Our strength in local government allows us to fulfill our promises. Unlike the AfD district administrator in Sonneberg, who talks a lot but accomplishes little, our CDU district commissioner, Christian Herrgott, in the Saale-Orla district has introduced work requirements in communal accommodations. People on welfare should contribute in return. This promotes fairness, and it's working - a third are now employed full-time.
The Ukraine war is a topic that concerns people, even though it's mostly a federal issue. How do you address this with the Thuringian public?
I share their desire for peace. The concerns of the Thuringian people should be taken seriously. A CDU-led state government would represent their views in Berlin. Diplomatic efforts should be more visible. The role of the foreign minister is to formulate a common European position. But let's be clear, international politics aren't decided in the Thuringian state parliament.**
Does the federal CDU's stance on Ukraine harm you? Their support for Ukraine and weapon deliveries is obvious.
The CDU is a peace party at heart. Peace and stability in the EU and NATO have always been our priority, as demonstrated by Helmut Kohl's leadership. It's no coincidence that Putin started the war during a time of CDU absence in government. Michael Kretschmer and I ensure that Saxon and Thuringian voices are heard on the federal level.**
Migration is a significant concern for people. Thuringia needs immigration for its labor market, as the CDU also acknowledges. Is that too pro-immigrant for Thuringia?
Absolutely not. We're selective in our immigration policy. Our doors are not open to everyone. People have a sense of fairness. We were among the first in Germany to introduce the pay card, with a CDU county commissioner spearheading the effort. We also advocate for consistent repatriation, something that's lacking in Berlin's left-green and traffic light coalitions.
We're in need of qualified professionals in the healthcare sector. Under the current left-leaning government, we're the last in Germany to acknowledge foreign medical credentials, a process that takes close to a year and negatively impacts Thuringia. Nearly a fourth of our clinic doctors now hail from different backgrounds. We need to strike a balance between welcoming those striving for a better life and the skilled workers we require.
They're advocating for the halt of unauthorized immigration. By 'refugees in Germany,' they're referring to this issue. But how do you plan to tackle this from Erfurt? Or is this more of a plea to Berlin and Brussels?
Addressing migration isn't just about deportations; it's about determining who seeks entry into our country. The Saxons and the Bavarians have successfully implemented border controls, showing tangible results. Even a Thuringian administration can contribute in this regard. For instance, through the use of payment cards or work requirements. The traffic light coalition doesn't seem to grasp that their approach is flawed. Irrespective of how one enters Germany, it shouldn't be a guarantee of residency – something that needs to be corrected.
You aim to assume the role of Minister President – that calls for a coalition partner. A potential ally is the BSW. During our May conversation, you regarded the party as a mystery. You couldn't even explain its core ideology. Have any advancements been made in your understanding?
Broadly speaking, there hasn't been any significant shift in my perspective. As long as Sahra Wagenknecht is directing Thuringia's affairs from Saarland, we can't engage in meaningful dialog with the BSW. However, I would welcome the opportunity to discuss Thuringia-specific matters with Mrs. Wolf. Thuringia faces challenges such as frequent lesson absences, shortage of family physicians, economic decline, poor location quality, digitalization struggles, and excessive bureaucracy. A stronger CDU means better enforcement capabilities. Improvements will follow after the election.
What are your sentiments towards deals like: In Thuringia, the CDU supports the BSW candidate for Minister President, and the BSW votes for Michael Kretschmer in Saxony?
This strategy is senseless – I don't even bother pondering over it. The BSW has 50 members in Thuringia. We had 4,500 local election candidates alone. To enact meaningful change, you require a strong foundation. The CDU boasts this strength, which is why I remain optimistic about our prospects.
A collaboration with the AfD is off the table, but where does it begin and end? Last year, you jointly reduced the property transfer tax. Will we see more such collaborations?
My objective is to establish a government with a sustainable majority.
Should you be restricted to passing measures against lesson cancellations and physician shortages in collaboration with the AfD, what measures would you pursue?
Once again: Our aim is to form a government led by the CDU, enabling Thuringia to recover and advance as a nation. We don't require the AfD for that. Issues plaguing the populace will receive attention – even those afflicting AfD supporters – under a CDU-driven administration.
What would your desired coalition arrangement look like?
Clearly, a Jamaica coalition would be ideal. But I'm not pushed towards coalitions; instead, I seek a strong CDU.
The traffic light coalition should consider disbanding. At present, it's merely a coalition of convenience. Green Party leader Nouripour himself acknowledged that it's a transitionary government. But excuse me, if that's the case, they should vacate their positions. Germany cannot afford to squander any further time. Our economy is on shaky ground, and we're witnessing gradual decline. New elections would be warranted now. If Thuringia could rally around a robust CDU performance in the elections, this would serve as a positive signal.
Volker Petersen conversed with Mario Voigt
Who is Mario Voigt's main competitor in the Thuringia elections, according to his remarks?
Mario Voigt mentioned that he believes Höcke and the AfD pose a threat to Thuringia and that a coalition with them is not an option.
What does Mario Voigt say about the AfD's district administrator in Thuringia?
During the conversation, Mario Voigt did not directly address the AfD district administrator in Thuringia.
