Collaborative Hunt in Thuringia - Ramelow proposes assistance to the ruling coalition government.
In the post-election turmoil of Thuringia, Left Minister-President Bodo Ramelow maintains an open dialogue with the CDU, acknowledging the intricate nature of the coalition-building process. He reiterated his stance during the campaign, expressing his disapproval for a minority government in Thuringia and emphasizing the necessity of a democratic majority in parliament.
When posed the question about a coalition between the CDU, the Left, and the SPD falling short by a solitary vote, Ramelow indicated the decisive vote was within reach.
The state of Thuringia is grappling with intricacies following the election due to the significant influence of the AfD, labeled as far-right extremists and the strongest party, yet no other party wishes to form a coalition with them. The CDU's candidate, Mario Voigt, aims to become the new Minister-President, and a coalition with the Left and the SPD may be feasible, but would yield only 44 out of 88 seats in the state parliament, leaving them one seat short of a majority.
Ramelow's Left party suffered a substantial setback in the election, securing 12 seats in the new state parliament. However, the CDU has categorically ruled out any "coalitions or similar collaborations" with the Left, as well as with the AfD, in a federal party congress resolution.
Ramelow dismisses the notion of aligning with the Left as a "imprudent scheme."
When inquired if he would consider switching sides, Ramelow rejected the idea. "That would be an imprudent scheme. No. I will continue affiliating with the Left faction and will honor my pledge to assist in forming a majority government." His intention is to foster stable relations in Thuringia. "I will do everything in my power to render Thuringia majority-capable and democratically governable."
Ramelow did not provide any details regarding his plans. During the ZDF-"heute journal" on Monday evening, he underlined that his party is now waiting for the initiation of talks and "an invitation from Mr. Voigt."
Simultaneously, he criticized the CDU's incompatibility resolution regarding the Left. "I find it highly problematic for the CDU to alienate itself from both the Left and the AfD," he asserted. "This stigmatizes the Left and trivialized the AfD."
Ramelow's Left party emerged victorious in the 2019 state election with 31 percent, but was unable to form a majority coalition, resulting in a red-red-green minority government.
Ramelow now expresses that he cannot advocate for a minority government in this state; the rest is subject to negotiations. "I am well-versed in the subject."
Despite the CDU's resolution against coalitions with the Left, Ramelow continues to pursue the 'search for a coalition' with parties that share a democratic majority in parliament, aiming to overcome the obstacle of one missing seat in the state parliament.
Given the CDU's unwillingness to form a coalition with the Left or the AfD, the 'search for a coalition' becomes more complex, necessitating exploratory talks between the Left, CDU, and potentially the SPD, to forge a democratic majority in Thuringia's state parliament.
