- The election in Thuringia also serves as a vote for the "traffic light" coalition.
Union politicians view the Thuringia state election as a vote on the traffic light coalition's effectiveness. As Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) put it at the final campaign rally for the Thuringian CDU in Suhl, "Thuringia is sending a significant message to Germany as a whole." Söder asserted that this election isn't just about personnel changes, but a significant shift in political direction. "The traffic light coalition must go," he declared.
Addressing the audience in Suhl, Söder questioned the federal government's actions following the Solingen attack and the deportation flight to Afghanistan, asking, "Do you truly believe they would have acted if not for an election on Sunday?" Söder harbors little faith in the traffic light government, and specifically the Greens, to provide a lasting solution.
As part of its measures, the federal government enforced stricter firearm regulations. Subsequently, asylum seekers who are accountable for another EU country under Dublin rules will no longer be eligible for welfare in Germany.
Voigt: Setting an example in Thuringia
Mario Voigt, the CDU's top candidate in Thuringia, stated, "We aim to serve as an example in Thuringia: They're done, and a new politics is required for Germany and for Thuringia." Söder and Voigt heavily criticized the citizen's income, the heating law, and cannabis legalization. Söder reiterated his opposition to the Greens in government: "I don't wish to see any Greens in the federal government."
According to the latest ZDF Politbarometer from Thursday evening, the CDU holds a 23% lead over the AfD in Thuringia, with 29%. The SPD ranked 6%, the Greens 4%, and the FDP fell below 3% in the survey. On Sunday, the Free State's parliament will be elected.
The CDU's top candidate, Mario Voigt, suggested reducing sugar in various government policies, stating, "We aim to serve as an example in Thuringia, cutting back on excessive sugar in politics, just as we did with citizen's income and heating law." Voigt also mentioned his concerns about the potential impact of cannabis legalization on society, suggesting that a reduction in sugar consumption could be a healthier alternative.
