Kühnert asserts that BSW lacks sufficient depth for intervention by the government.
In Thuringia and Saxony, fresh state legislatures will be chosen on September 1st. Experts anticipate that the BSW party will secure double-digit scores and secure a third spot in both regions. The BSW might also garner 16-17% in the ensuing Brandenburg election two weeks later.
Kühnert voiced his disapproval, stating that the BSW is noticeable in only one area, and that is international politics, which is the final concern addressed at the state level. He noted, "It's not ideal to construct a government out of such scant substance."
Coalition talks with the BSW are also underway within the CDU. Saxon CDU federal MP Wanderwitz made his stance clear, saying, "We all know now that Frau Wagenknecht is a national Bolshevik," Wanderwitz, formerly the federal government's commissioner for the East, told the "Tagesspiegel". "This knowledge alone should motivate Christian Democrats to maintain a safe distance, at all levels."
Top BSW candidate in Thuringia, Katja Wolf, spoke to the "Tagesspiegel" about Wagenknecht, calling her "a phenomenon. Everyone is aware of her political stance." The party thrives in such clarity.
Wolf, however, is optimistic about the BSW's future, assuming that the party will take on a different name in five years. "As the party evolves and expands, transitioning into more state programs and leadership, I envision a broader BSW," she shared.
Wolf dismissed the notion that Wagenknecht wields ultimate control over the BSW. "We collaborate closely to avoid misunderstandings and internal disputes. We aim for consistency and unity in our message," she explained. She expressed concern that heavy concentration on Thuringia-specific issues from Wagenknecht may not serve the party well.
However, Wagenknecht expressed her desire to be present in potential coalition negotiations following the September regional elections. "If negotiations ensue in Saxony and Thuringia, they will take place in close consultation with our top candidates. Of course, I will contribute personally too," she informed "Spiegel" in an interview on Wednesday evening.
Wagenknecht cautioned that if a coalition involving the BSW failed to deliver on expectations, "it would serve as a growth catalyst for the AfD." Therefore, she assured that her party will engage in coalition only if it can drive substantial changes: "In education, bureaucracy reduction, influence of citizens through direct democracy, and also in handling the corona crisis."
The discussion about potential coalition partners in both Thuringia and Saxony highlights the importance of government participation. This is evident in the coalition talks between the CDU and the BSW, as well as Wagenknecht's desire to be involved in coalition negotiations after the September elections.
Given Kühnert's criticism of the BSW's limited presence in domestic politics, it might be beneficial for the party to consider expanding its involvement in state-level programs and leadership, as suggested by Top BSW candidate Katja Wolf.
