BSW lead candidate Schulze open to talks with AfD in Saxony-Anhalt
Quick Look
Following the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, BSW lead candidate Thomas Schulze signals willingness to talk with the AfD, rejects the firewall, and sees common ground in Russia and energy policy, while emphasizing programmatic differences in education and the economy.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
In the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, the BSW could gain entry into the state parliament and thus play a potentially decisive role in the election of the Prime Minister.
The BSW could tip the scales in the election of the head of government in Saxony-Anhalt. The AfD's top candidate doesn't want to know anything about a firewall for the AfD.
BSW politician Schulze sees similarities with the AfD, especially in their relationship with Russia. Photo: Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/dpa
Magdeburg. BSW top candidate Thomas Schulze is open to talks with the AfD after the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt. "We said we would talk to all parties. That includes the AfD," Schulze told the German Press Agency. “We are not interested in the firewall and we will talk to all parties.”
When asked about possible similarities between the BSW and the AfD, Schulze said: "We already have some overlaps, especially on the Russia question, where we say we are against these sanctions, which are really literally ruining our economy." Like the AfD, the BSW also wants “inexpensive energy”.
But there are also AfD projects that did not work with the BSW. "Especially the AfD's education policy, it doesn't work with us at all. We're very, very far apart," said Schulze. “We are also quite socially minded when it comes to the economy.”
“First we have to be inside”
If the BSW makes it into the state parliament, as was expected late in the evening, the parliamentary group could play a decisive role in the election of the Prime Minister. When asked, Schulze left it open whether the MPs should then follow a party line or be free to decide who they would vote for.
“We’re not pretending anything right now,” he said. “First we have to be inside and then starting tomorrow we will take the next steps.” His impression is that the AfD is speculating on defectors from the CDU.
AfD party leader Tino Chrupalla has announced that his party's top candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, will stand for election in the state parliament as candidate for prime minister.
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What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
After entering the state parliament, the BSW will begin discussions with the AfD.
Likely · Within days
The AfD will nominate its top candidate Ulrich Siegmund as its candidate for prime minister.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Will the BSW actually enter the state parliament?
- How will the BSW MPs vote in the prime minister election?
- What specific coalition options is the BSW considering other than talks with the AfD?
