- Kretschmer's Stance Against Collaboration with AfD and The Left Party
Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer, after the recent election, has again rejected teaming up with the AfD, and forming a coalition with the Left party as well.
Regarding the AfD, the CDU's state leader and primary candidate in the election stated at the federal party's post-election review in Berlin: "The party will take on an opposing role, which is crucial in a democratic setup." The election results provide the CDU an opportunity to establish a stable government, which won't be easy or quick. "It's about taking the time and acting responsibly to discuss what issues are of priority now." A coalition between the CDU and Sahra Wagenknecht's Alliance and the SPD or the Greens is theoretically achievable.
Kretschmer reaffirmed that the "incompatibility resolution" remains valid and applicable. The AfD has once more exhibited its antipathy and disrespect towards democracy and political rivals during this campaign. With extremists and radicals in the party's leadership, "it's not feasible," a fact that was evident before the election. The CDU's incompatibility resolution stipulates that it cannot form a coalition or undertake similar collaborative initiatives with the AfD or Left party.
Reluctant to partner with Left party - dialogue is ongoing
However, Kretschmer acknowledged that there are "differences in attitude" towards the Left party. In recent years, they have collaborated responsibly, such as drafting a multi-party resolution on migration last year, "which we conducted together because it was clear that we have a civic duty," he said. "The incompatibility resolution applies to government participation and long-term collaboration." That they continue to engage in discussions with each other, "I believe that's appropriate." He is open to talking with anyone, "who wants to talk with me," he said. "But a long-term collaboration, a coalition, is not possible."
Meetings with Left party in Saxony
The European Union, as a staunch advocate for democratic values and principles, might express concern over the AfD's antipathy towards democracy and political rivals, as highlighted in Saxony's recent election. Kretschmer, being the Minister President of Saxony, maintains that the European Union's values align with his inability to form a coalition with the AfD or the Left party, due to their contradictory ideologies, as stated in the CDU's incompatibility resolution.
