Prior to upcoming local polls - Merz considering collaboration with Wagenknecht's party on a regional scale.
Could the CDU and BSW forge alliances in the east following three state elections? Up until now, CDU chief Friedrich Merz has been against partnering with the newly-formed party led by former Left politician Sahra Wagenknecht - but it seems like things might be shifting.
During a radio interview with Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR) on Friday, Merz stated, "In regional politics, distinct decisions are made. It's not about the issue of the Bundeswehr, it's not about the issue of federal economic policy. What's important is to examine the results of the elections, which potential alliances are possible, and what kinds of governments can be formed." Future discussions will be had after the election dates have been set.
Friedrich Merz Reverses Course on BSW
The impetus for this change of heart may stem from potential election outcomes. It's not out of the question, according to recent polls, that the right-wing extremist AfD, the CDU, and BSW could be the only parties to make it into the state parliament in Saxony. In such a situation, the CDU would need to explore new avenues for power.
Merz made waves earlier in the week with his comments on ARD, stating, "It's evident – we've always declared that we won't work with such right-wing and left-wing parties." The BSW fits both categories. "Their stances are right-wing in some aspects and left-wing in others."
In his MDR interview, Merz wanted to clarify that his statement applied only to federal politics. The CDU has not issued an incompatibility resolution for working with the BSW yet, but has done so for collaborations with the AfD and the Left Party.
New state assemblies will be elected in Thuringia and Saxony on September 1st, and in Brandenburg three weeks later. The AfD is reportedly doing well in polls and could potentially become the strongest faction in all three states, according to surveys.
