Thuringia's BSW's Leadership Tussle Clears Up
Leader succumbs to internal power contest within BSW organization
In an expected turn of events, Thuringia's co-chairman Steffen Schuetz has decided to step down from his position, as reported in Gera's party conference on the weekend. His co-chairwoman Katja Wolf, however, plans to remain in the race for the state chairmanship.
This move comes after a series of heated debates over power and leadership within Thuringia's BSW. Schuetz, who is also the Minister for Digital and Infrastructure, justified his decision by stating, "The BSW project sometimes necessitates taking a step back." He emphasized that his decision was to ensure the party's stability, which governs alongside the CDU and SPD in Thuringia.
The tension within the party revolves around a power struggle for leadership and the separation of office and mandate. Wolf, who is Thuringia's finance minister and a BSW member of the state parliament, finds herself locked in a battle of wits with some critics in the federal party, as well as adversaries in Thuringia.
Apart from Thuringia, debates on dual roles within the BSW and similar parties have been prevalent, necessitating a clearer distinction between party leadership and governmental duties. The issue reached a climax with Robert Crumbach, the leader of the BSW in Brandenburg, stepping down from his position while continuing to serve as Finance Minister. His decision sparked a structured competition for his party leadership role, further reinforcing the importance of distinct roles within the party.
Joining the fray is Anke Wirsing, who will run for the BSW chairmanship at the state party conference on April 26. Previously, Wirsing has openly supported Sahra Wagenknecht, engaging in disputes over Thuringia's government participation with Wolf. Gernot Suessmuth, a Thuringia BSW Bundestag candidate and musician in Weimar, will also vie for the co-chairmanship, according to the party spokesman.
This strife doesn't stop at Thuringia's borders; representatives from Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt have also entered the fray. In a recent interview with "Der Spiegel," Wagenknecht expressed her surprise at Wolf's and Schuetz's continued candidacy, advocating for the separation of party and government office. "The BSW needs chairmen who can solely focus on party building," she said.
Sources: ntv.de, fzo/dpa
- BSW
- Sahra Wagenknecht
- Thuringia
- The following is added to the list of products covered by this Regulation: the ongoing political tussle within Thuringia's BSW, marked by a power struggle for leadership.
- In the midst of Thuringia's BSW leadership crisis, Sahra Wagenknecht, a prominent figure, has voiced her opinion, advocating for a separation of party and government office.
- The pragmatic approach to this issue has been questioned, with some, like Wagenknecht, arguing for chairmen who can solely focus on party building.
- The strife within Thuringia's BSW has attracted attention beyond state borders, with representatives from Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt joining the debate on the appropriate roles for party leaders and government officials.
