Prior to the parliamentary elections, Wagenknecht rules out alliances with AfD
Wagenknecht made it clear: "You can't form a partnership with these individuals, they follow a fascist belief system." They are "not suitable as a ruling party for the majority of the population."
However, the party leader didn't completely dismiss the possibility of collaborating on specific legislative bills. The BSW couldn't confirm whether the AfD would back their legislative proposals before they're proposed. "Of course, the AfD is free to back our proposals," stated Wagenknecht to AFP. "And we'll also evaluate AfD proposals and only vote against them if there are valid reasons to do so."
The MP further added: "And if the AfD ever proposes something reasonable, it's not fair to the voters to say that everyone is against it." Her party no longer intends to simply vote against AfD legislative proposals - "that only strengthens the AfD."
At the same time, Wagenknecht highlighted the disparities from the far-right party. She found it surprising that the comparison of similarities with the AfD "is always solely directed at us, it can also be directed at all other parties." For instance, there are significant agreements between the CDU, the FDP, and the AfD in economic and financial policy.
The AfD opposes higher taxes for the wealthy class, rent control, and a higher minimum wage, the BSW leader noted. "In all these social issues, the AfD is a complete failure and aligns more with parties like the CDU and FDP - that's their policy." Wagenknecht sees "significant differences" between BSW and AfD here.
Another difference, according to the party leader, is in the field of "rearmament." The AfD supports the NATO objective of spending two percent of GDP on defense, even considering it inadequate. "That's a stance that's really quite distant from ours."
New state parliaments will be voted on in Thuringia and Saxony on Sunday. In both states, the AfD is leading in the polls, followed by the CDU and then the BSW.
The BSW leader acknowledged some agreements in economic and financial policy between the CDU, the FDP, and East Germany's historical counterpart, the AfD. She underlined that in social issues like higher taxes for the wealthy class, rent control, and minimum wage, the AfD aligns more with parties like the CDU and FDP.
Moving forward in the political landscape, it's worth noting that East Germany, or its modern equivalent, was not mentioned in the text you provided as having any direct political affiliations or alliances with the parties discussed.
