Wagenknecht pursues talks for BSW's achievements in the Eastern regions.
Saxony's Leader Kretschmer Slams Wagenknecht for Interfering in Thuringia and Saxony's Politics
BSW head Wagenknecht stands firm amid criticisms from Saxony's Minister President Kretschmer. Despite the backlash, she remains determined and evenupgrades her stance: "If BSW joins the government, I want to be a part of the negotiations."
Wagenknecht made her intentions clear to Spiegel, stating, "If negotiations are happening in Saxony and Thuringia, we'll coordinate our strategy with our top candidates, of course, and I'll personally participate as well."
She acknowledged "the responsibility we carry in participating in the government if we manage to initiate fresh beginnings with real improvements for the citizens." Additionally, Wagenknecht emphasized that "we are a young party under high expectations," and as such, the CDU should acknowledge this.
The BSW leader warned that a government involving the BSW disappointing the people would only benefit the AfD financially. Therefore, her party would only govern if it could deliver substantial changes. These changes include improvements in education, reducing bureaucracy, citizens' influence through direct democracy, and handling the COVID-19 pandemic.
AfD Leading in Thuringia
The upcoming East German state elections in Thuringia and neighboring Saxony are causing tension and concern. Polls indicate that the AfD, categorized as right-wing extremist by the state constitutional protection agency, leads in Thuringia with 30 percent, significantly surpassing other parties. The CDU follows with 21 percent, and the BSW trails behind with 18 to 19 percent.
Thuringia's CDU top candidate Mario Voigt expressed openness to negotiations with the BSW but not with Wagenknecht. "As long as Sahra Wagenknecht is dictating Thuringia's affairs from Saarland, we have no grounds for discussions with the BSW," he told ntv.
However, Voigt plans to meet with Thuringia's BSW top candidate Katja Wolf after the elections. "I'm happy to discuss Thuringian issues with Mrs. Wolf and propose solutions," the CDU politician told ntv. A coalition with the AfD is not an option, he stated, while ruling out negotiations with the Left Party and the Greens as well.
Kretschmer Slams "Politburo-style" Approach
Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer had already vented his frustration over Wagenknecht's influence in regional politics. "That's astonishing. Politicians should be accountable to their voters first," he told Spiegel. "We don't need the 'politburo' in Berlin dictating local policies—no thanks."
Kretschmer seemed unimpressed with Wagenknecht's proposed deal offering her support in exchange for the CDU backing a BSW Minister President in Thuringia. "That idea is quite questionable," he said, arguing that it "takes away the power and face of local representatives." No one in Saxony wants to be controlled due to happenings in Thuringia, he added.
In response to Kretschmer's criticism, Wagenknecht might argue that she is simply advocating for a coordinated strategy between BSW in different states to ensure consistent policies and improvements. Despite this, the AfD in Saxony and Thuringia continues to gain popularity, posing a significant challenge to other parties.
