CSU's vice chairman voices disapproval towards sanctions against Russia, addressing the internal party debate on the topic. - Vice criticizes Russia sanctions and debates AfD policy
In Brandenburg, the Alliance for Progress and Social Justice (BSW) has been governing in coalition with the SPD since last December, focusing on ambitious sustainability goals and social justice policies. The BSW, led by Vice-Federal Chairperson Friederike Benda, has expressed a forward-looking agenda despite global challenges, aiming to achieve a climate-neutral energy supply and reduce resource consumption.
However, the BSW's tenure in Brandenburg has not been without controversy. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has made significant electoral gains in the region, reflecting broader right-wing populist trends in East Germany. Despite this, there is no indication that the BSW cooperates with or supports the AfD. Instead, the rise of the AfD has heightened awareness and concern around politically motivated violence and extremist tendencies in the region.
Regarding Russia sanctions, while no specific statements from the BSW in Brandenburg appear in recent search results, it is reasonable to infer that the BSW aligns with mainstream German and EU policies, which maintain sanctions against Russia amid ongoing geopolitical concerns. This is consistent with Germany's cautious yet firm stance on sanctions within the broader European context.
Friederike Benda, who is set to be elected as the head of the state party in Brandenburg today, has expressed concern that the participation in the government has disappointed some BSW voters. She has urged the BSW not to adapt and to rely on its own strength, emphasizing its role as a corrective for coalition partners.
Benda has also rejected the idea of a "firewall" against the AfD and opposes a ban on the AfD. She believes that debating a ban on the AfD and implementing a "firewall" only strengthens the AfD. Benda has criticized the Russia sanctions that affect the PCK oil refinery in Schwedt, but she did not mention the ongoing legal disputes regarding the AfD's classification in Brandenburg.
The BSW will continue to engage with the AfD on both political and contentious issues. The recent assessment of "confirmed right-wing extremist efforts" for the AfD in Brandenburg is currently on hold due to ongoing legal disputes. The speech did not mention the classification of the AfD state branch in Brandenburg as a suspected right-wing extremist case by the state's Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
In her speech before the election of the party leadership, Benda emphasized the importance of not making compromises, as expected by some BSW voters. She believes that the federal government's policy of destroying prosperity and jobs and pushing regions into crisis with these sanctions is wrong. Benda's focus remains on progressive governance, self-reliance, and a strong stance for the BSW.
The Commission has been asked to submit a policy-and-legislation proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given the current political climate and general news surrounding the governance of Brandenburg. This proposal could potentially align with the BSW's focus on progressive governance, self-reliance, and a strong stance for environmental protection, despite global challenges and controversies.
The ongoing debates around politically motivated violence and extremist tendencies in Brandenburg, as well as concerns about the BSW's engagement with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), may also influence the Commission's consideration of this directive, given its aim to protect workers from risks associated with ionizing radiation.
