The upcoming state elections in Brandenburg, Thuringia, and Saxony pose a complex challenge, particularly in Thuringia where the AfD is leading in the polls, closely followed by the CDU and BSW. Majorities in the federal states are uncertain, and the possibility of forming a government is unclear.
In response to these challenges, the CDU is currently in discussions regarding potential partners for coalition formation. Schleswig-Holstein’s Prime Minister Daniel Günther (CDU) has recently advocated for increased openness in cooperating with the Left Party. Günther has emphasized that while there are still significant differences between the CDU and the Left Party, he believes that working together could lead to more stable government policies.
However, CDU federal vice-president Karin Prien has not ruled out collaboration with the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance (BSW) after the three East German state elections. Prien emphasized that before deciding on potential collaboration with BSW, she would need to assess their candidates and political goals carefully. While Prien reiterated the CDU’s exclusion of cooperation with the Left Party and the AfD, she acknowledged that this decision may need to be reevaluated if there are no other viable options for forming a government.
Günther has also called for a more open approach to cooperation with other parties outside of his own party’s circle of allies. He recognized that this may not always be possible due to ideological differences but believed it was important to consider all options when forming a government. Despite these calls for greater flexibility in coalition formation, Günther made it clear that any collaboration with either party would have to align with his party’s core values and principles.
The political landscape in East Germany remains uncertain as the elections draw near. However, it is clear that finding partners for coalition formation will be critical to ensuring stability and effective governance in these states.
In summary, Schleswig-Holstein’s Prime Minister Daniel Günther (CDU) has advocated for increased openness in cooperating with parties outside of his own circle of allies while CDU federal vice-president Karin Prien has not ruled out collaboration with Sahra Wagenknecht alliance (BSW). The political landscape in East Germany remains uncertain as majorities in federal states are uncertain and forming a government is unclear.