The political landscape in eastern Germany is undergoing significant shifts as parties navigate complex coalition negotiations. In Brandenburg, the AfD has emerged as a strengthened force following the recent elections, yet no other party is willing to enter a coalition with them. This has led to a reshuffling in the state parliament's leadership, with Daniel Münschke of the AfD elected as Vice-President after two rounds of voting.
Meanwhile, in Thuringia, coalition discussions between CDU, SPD, and BSW face hurdles. The BSW, led by Katja Wolf and Steffen Schütz, is adamant that any coalition agreement must include a strong peace preamble, emphasizing diplomatic efforts, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict and the presence of US missiles in Germany. This stance is heavily influenced by BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht, who insists on these conditions to ensure BSW's participation in the government.
In Saxony, the CDU, SPD, and BSW are also exploring coalition possibilities. Here, peace policies are once again central to BSW’s demands. Minister-President Michael Kretschmer of the CDU has highlighted the need for a stable majority and is keen to avoid previous alliances with the Greens. The discussions are grounded in a shared document outlining agreed priorities and contentious issues.
Overall, the political dynamics in these states are marked by a strong emphasis on peace policies and the exclusion of the AfD from coalition talks, reflecting the broader regional aversion to right-wing extremism. The negotiations underscore the complexity of forming stable governments in a fragmented political environment.
