- The prowler-transporter puts forward terms: no American missiles and no aid to Ukraine
Chairperson of BSW, Sahra Wagenknecht, will only enter into coalition arrangements following the eastern German state elections if her party's foreign policy stipulations are incorporated into the coalition agreement. "We shall only join forces with parties we can concur with on a mutually beneficial contract that encompasses our political priorities," Wagenknecht shared with news agency AFP. This encompasses foreign policy, she added, "which is a significant concern for us."
Wagenknecht: Abandonment of US missiles and Ukraine aid essential in coalition agreement
The BSW-led alliance disavows the proposed deployment of US intermediate-range missiles in Germany and further munitions shipments to Ukraine. "It's crucial that the coalition agreement outlines our position on these matters," Wagenknecht underscored. A future state administration ought to advocate for these issues at the national level - a prerequisite for BSW involvement in a state administration for Wagenknecht.
Wagenknecht dismissed objections that her demands couldn't be implemented at the state level. "However, a state administration can voice its concerns and exert influence to bring about a policy change," she averred. The BSW doesn't guarantee that its election will instantly transform national politics, but a state government with BSW involvement "will work towards modifying the policy."
Looking towards potential government coalitions, Wagenknecht particularly appealed to the Christian Democrats. "I hope that, post-election, the CDU recognizes its responsibility to form a stable government." In particular, people in Thuringia seek a stable, majority-capable government after five years of minority governance.
Eastern Germany Elections: Coalition with BSW only with Wagenknecht's approval
Wagenknecht recently declared her intention to have a say in any coalition negotiations. Anyone aiming to form a coalition with the BSW must also engage with her, the Bundestag Member told AFP. Yet, she clarified that she wouldn't be present at every coalition meeting during the federal budget negotiations in September's Bundestag. She will, however, collaborate closely with the local leading candidates to make decisions.
Wagenknecht continues to advocate for the planned party rebranding after the federal election. It would be "certainly judicious" to find a new name if the party performs well in the next Bundestag election. "Given our strength, there will be more heads carrying the party," she added. She also wishes to "simply and directly avoid making politics for the following 30 years." Nevertheless, the BSW abbreviation will be retained - "we're delighted if it gradually becomes familiar to people that we are the BSW."
New state parliaments will be elected in Thuringia and Saxony on Sunday. In both states, the AfD leads the polls, followed by the CDU and then the BSW.
The BSW, led by Chairperson Wagenknecht, has expressed a strong stance against the deployment of US missiles in Germany and further aid to Ukraine in their coalition agreements. She emphasized, "It's crucial that the coalition agreement outlines our position on these matters."
In her pursuit of forming a stable government in eastern Germany, Wagenknecht highlighted the importance of the Christian Democrats (CDU) in post-election coalition negotiations, stating, "I hope that, post-election, the CDU recognizes its responsibility to form a stable government."
