Upcoming elections in Saxony feature tight competition between CDU and AfD in preliminary polls.
According to the findings revealed by Infratest dimap for ARD on Thursday night, the CDU would secure 31% of the votes, while the AfD, under their top candidate Jörg Urban, would acquire 30%. Coming in third is the BSW with 14%, followed by the SPD with 7% and the Greens with 6%. Regrettably, neither the Left nor the FDP would be represented in the upcoming state parliament, with each securing a mere 4%. The remaining parties total up to 9%.
In line with the latest surveys, it is uncertain if the current coalition of CDU, SPD, and Greens will maintain a majority in the new state parliament. As per the ZDF poll, renewal might be an option, but according to ARD's survey, this would not be the case.
Kretschmer has expressed his intention to continue in his role, provided the Greens are not needed. He has not ruled out working with the BSW, although cooperating with the AfD is off-limits for the CDU, but not entirely out of the question with the BSW. Such an alliance, however, would result in a narrow majority, as per the recent surveys.
However, this potential alliance is met with significant controversy within the CDU. Initially, CDU federal chairman Friedrich Merz rejected cooperation with the BSW but stated later that this only applies to the federal level.
The upcoming elections in Saxony and Thuringia are being closely watched, particularly in regards to the AfD's performance. Tension and concern pervade the air, with Brandenburg set to follow suit on September 22nd.
In discussing potential alliances for the upcoming elections, Kretschmer expressed a willingness to work with the BSW, but cooperation with the AfD, while not entirely ruled out, is off-limits for the CDU at the state level. However, some within the CDU are strongly against any alliance with the BSW, which could potentially result in the CDU and BSW securing a narrow majority, as suggested by recent surveys.
