Sahra Wagenknecht, chairperson of the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), made it clear that she won't join any coalition agreements in the upcoming eastern German state elections unless her foreign policy stipulations are included. "We'll only work with parties that align with our political priorities," she said to AFP. These priorities, according to Wagenknecht, include foreign policy, a significant concern for her party.
Key to the BSW's coalition demands is the rejection of US intermediate-range missiles in Germany and further weapon supply to Ukraine. Wagenknecht believes that the coalition agreement must reflect this stance, stating it's "essential" to voice these concerns at the national level.
While some criticize these demands as unrealistic to implement at the state level, Wagenknecht remains unfazed. She sees a potential state administration as a chance to lobby for policy changes at a national level. Whether the BSW election results immediately transform national politics is unclear, but Wagenknecht is confident that a BSW-involved state government will advocate for policy modification.
Looking ahead to potential coalitions, Wagenknecht appealed to the Christian Democrats for a stable, majority government in eastern Germany. Thuringia residents, particularly, have had five years of minority governance.
Wagenknecht also expressed her intention to engage in coalition negotiations and considered a post-election reshuffle of the BSW, possibly renaming the party if it performs well in the Bundestag election. The BSW currently leads behind the AfD in both Thuringia and Saxony polls.
Insider insights:
Sahra Wagenknecht's alliance demands a referendum on Ukraine policy, rejects US military aid, and warns against supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine. An anti-NATO stance and calls for peace negotiations with Russia characterize the BSW, complicating the party's alliance possibilities for any coalition involving significant military engagement with Ukraine.
