Warnings about the AfD state parliament president in Saxony-Anhalt
Federal politicians criticize BSW's support for AfD candidates in the election for state parliament president
Quick Look
- The Greens and the Left warn against the election of an AfD state parliament president in Saxony-Anhalt.
- The BSW wants to support the AfD candidate Tobias Rausch, which provokes sharp criticism as “stirrup holder” behavior.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The AfD is the strongest force in the state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt. The BSW has announced that it will support the AfD candidate for the office of state parliament president.
One day before the expected election of an AfD state parliament president in Saxony-Anhalt, federal politicians are warning. Green Party leader Felix Banaszak sees a turning point. “For the first time since 1945, a right-wing extremist will be at the head of a German parliament,” he said in Berlin.
Banaszak emphasized that the election would take place even though the AfD did not win an absolute majority of seats in the state election, but because another faction was helping the candidate to do so - meaning the BSW. “An electoral alternative to the AfD has become an electoral initiative for the AfD,” he commented.
The Left also criticizes a possible AfD state parliament president. “What is happening in Saxony-Anhalt this week is a warning for the entire country,” said party leader Luigi Pantisano in Berlin. The AfD is beginning to take power and they can only do this with stirrup holders. The BSW is particularly irresponsible in this regard. “Anyone who gives the AfD the decisive votes for one of the highest state offices cannot then hide behind the claim that they want nothing to do with the AfD,” he said.
The BSW in Saxony-Anhalt had confirmed that it would vote for the AfD candidate for the post of state parliament president at the constituent meeting of the new state parliament on Tuesday and thus help him gain a majority. The AfD was elected with almost 44 percent, it is the strongest force and according to the rules of procedure it is entitled to the position of President of the State Parliament.
The AfD has 39 members in parliament. The CDU, Left, Greens and SPD together also have 39 seats, the BSW is represented by 5 representatives. For a majority in parliament, 42 votes are needed.
AfD politician Tobias Rausch is standing as a candidate for the office of state parliament president. The 35-year-old, who is a real estate agent, was unanimously nominated by his parliamentary group. He was “exactly the right person for this position,” said co-party leader Ulrich Siegmund when the result was announced.
Tillschneider should become vice president
The AfD has proposed its MP Hans-Thomas Tillschneider as a candidate for vice president in the state parliament. The decision was unanimous, said co-parliamentary group leader Oliver Kirchner in Magdeburg after the AfD parliamentary group meeting. According to Kirchner, he has not yet received any signals from the BSW regarding personnel.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Election of the President of the State Parliament in the constituent session on Tuesday
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Will the election of Tobias Rausch be successful?
- How are the other factions reacting to the BSW decision?
