BSW Signals Potential Alliance with AfD in Sachsen-Anhalt Elections
The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) stated its willingness to include the AfD in governing if elected in Sachsen-Anhalt. BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht declared the 'firewall' against the AfD has failed, suggesting abstention in a third election round to enable an AfD-backed premier.
Key takeaways
- The BSW party has signaled its intention to potentially involve the AfD in governance following the Sachsen-Anhalt state elections.
- BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht stated that excluding a party with significant voter support is undemocratic and that the 'firewall' strategy has failed.
- The BSW's strategy involves abstaining from a third-round election vote to allow an AfD-backed minister-president to be elected if other parties reject their model.
- Current polling shows the AfD leading significantly, while the BSW's parliamentary entry is not yet assured.
- The CDU has ruled out any coalition with the AfD or the Left party.
What Happened
The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) has indicated a willingness to cooperate with the AfD in the event of the state parliamentary elections in Sachsen-Anhalt. BSW co-chair Amira Mohamed Ali stated that the party's objective is to unseat the incumbent CDU official and replace them with a non-partisan minister-president governing with shifting majorities, a plan that includes the AfD.
BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht echoed this sentiment, telling "Bild" newspaper that the party aims to facilitate an AfD-aligned minister-president if other parties reject their coalition model. Wagenknecht explained that if other parties refuse their proposed governance structure, the BSW would abstain from voting in a third round of elections. This abstention could allow the AfD's lead candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, to become head of government, as only a majority of votes cast, excluding abstentions, is needed in the third round.
Wagenknecht asserted that it is "completely undemocratic" to permanently exclude a party supported by approximately 40 percent of voters, stating that the established "firewall" against the AfD has been unsuccessful.
Background
Current polls suggest the BSW is polling between four and five percent, making its entry into the state parliament uncertain. Polls from Infratest dimap indicate the AfD, led by Ulrich Siegmund, is projected to win with 41 percent of the vote, significantly ahead of the CDU at 24 percent. The CDU has stated it will not form a coalition with the AfD or the Left party.
Key Facts
- The BSW has stated it would include the AfD in governing in Sachsen-Anhalt.
- BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht called the 'firewall' against the AfD a failure.
- The BSW plans to abstain in a third election round if their coalition model is rejected, potentially enabling an AfD minister-president.
- Current polls place the AfD at 41 percent and the CDU at 24 percent in Sachsen-Anhalt.
- The BSW is currently polling at four to five percent in Sachsen-Anhalt.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
