- The Thuringian AfD proposes dialogue with the CDU and BSW.
Thuringia's Alternative for Germany (AfD) plans to negotiate for potential government partnership after their victory in the regional election. The AfD's state leadership committee has consensusly invited the leaders of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Alliance for Progress and Renewal (APR) for discussions, as announced by party vice-chair Torben Braga in Erfurt. The purpose is to explore if there's a mutual ground for collaboration.
Both the CDU and APR have shown reluctance to partner with the AfD, headed by extreme-right figure Björn Höcke, but some within the CDU are open to dialogues. The AfD clinched victory in the Thuringian regional election for the first time in its 11-year existence, emerging as the dominant party with 32.8% of the votes cast.
AfD: Strives for Programmatic Alignments
The AfD recognizes shared programmatic sensitivities with the CDU and APR, but also significant political disparities, as per the AfD's official statement. "Thuringia and Germany are grappling with significant challenges that necessitate prompt government formation."
Thuringia's co-head Stefan Möller and AfD co-heads Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla reiterated their claim for a share in the government during their meeting in Berlin. Möller represented Höcke, who was present in the AfD faction room in the state parliament.
The AfD's success in securing a majority in the Election to the Landtag has opened up the possibility of negotiation for a potential government partnership. Despite reservations from the CDU and APR, dialogues about potential collaboration are necessary given the shared challenges faced by Thuringia and Germany.
