Once more, Ramelow proposes backing for the CDU-led administration in Thuringia.
After the election in Thuringia, establishing a government is proving to be a drawn-out affair due to intricate majority scenarios. In a first for a state election, the Thuringian AfD, labeled as right-wing extremist by the domestic intelligence agency, has emerged as the dominant force. However, all other parties refuse to enter into coalitions with the AfD.
Attention now shifts towards setting up a CDU-led administration involving Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW). On Monday night, the CDU state executive in Erfurt decided to initiate preliminary discussions with the SPD and BSW. These conversations are not exploratory yet.
CDU General Secretary Christian Herrgott indicated that the process will likely take some time. The BSW desires to engage in dialogues "with all democratic parties." No details about the initial meeting dates were released at first.
A potential three-party alliance of CDU, BSW, and SPD would be one vote short of a majority. An alliance of CDU, BSW, and the Left Party would secure a majority, although this is highly unlikely due to the CDU's continued opposition to both the AfD and the Left. Consequently, a minority government helmed by the CDU is a possibility.
Ramelow told "Der Spiegel" that he had expressed during the campaign his reluctance to advocate for a minority government in Thuringia and emphasized the necessity of a democratic majority in parliament. Ramelow himself headed a red-red-green minority government in the past, which relied on CDU votes for passing bills in the state parliament. When reminded that CDU, BSW, and SPD would be one vote short of a majority, Ramelow responded, "There's one vote right in front of you."
Ramelow also urged the CDU to cooperate with the Left Party. He told "Zeit Online" about the majority dynamics following the election, "If the CDU were to shed its exclusionary attitude and collaborate with us Leftists, democratic parties would not be at an impasse."
The SPD has been invited for preliminary discussions by the CDU state executive in Erfurt, as they consider forming a potential three-party alliance with the CDU and BSW. Despite this, establishing a government with a democratic majority remains a challenge, as a three-party alliance between the SPD, CDU, and BSW would fall one vote short.
