BSW calls for a new political beginning in Saxony-Anhalt after election victory

After the BSW's narrow election success, party founder Sahra Wagenknecht is calling for a "new political beginning" in Saxony-Anhalt. “Hopefully there are now majorities in the Magdeburg state parliament for a change of course in energy policy, an end to the Russia sanctions, better education and a fundamental reform of public broadcasting,” Wagenknecht told the German Press Agency. “The BSW wants to use these majorities to improve people’s lives.”

According to the preliminary final results in the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance just managed to get over the five percent hurdle. As the election winner, the AfD does not have an absolute majority of seats. What exactly a government model in Magdeburg could look like is unclear. Wagenknecht had ruled out a coalition with the AfD, but not cooperation.

“The election loser from the CDU must be replaced,” said the party founder. “The firewall policy has failed. The mere attempt to forge another firewall coalition would be an affront to the voters.”

Wagenknecht was very satisfied with the election results, which exceeded the most recent polls. “The comeback of the BSW has begun,” said Wagenknecht. “In times of growing danger of war, it is an important signal that the only consistent peace party will enter the state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt.” This is a great encouragement for the BSW election campaigners in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin.

Wagenknecht complained about a “massive smear and lying campaign by the political and media mainstream against the BSW”. She accused former BSW colleagues in Thuringia of wanting to cause maximum damage by leaving last week.