2024-09-06 17:51:26
The formation of a government in Saxony and Thuringia is becoming complicated. t-online spoke to Christian Leye, Secretary General of the BSW, about the possible negotiations.
In Thuringia and Saxony, coalitions between the CDU and BSW are emerging – because after the state elections there is no other option to form a government without the AfD. But there is unrest in the Union in particular: in the West, many already consider the start of initial exploratory talks with Wagenknecht’s party to be a sacrilege.
In addition, the two parties are very far apart in terms of content in many areas. How does the BSW view this? And how can compromises be found with the CDU? Christian Leye, General Secretary of the BSW, answers questions from t-online. And first of all, he criticizes the possible new coalition partner.
t-online: Mr. Leye, many in the CDU say that the BSW is Putin’s extended arm. After such statements, what mood do you have going into the coalition negotiations in Thuringia?
Christian Leye: Some in the CDU are trying to play the regional associations off against the federal party. This does not really create trust before exploratory talks for a joint government. But perhaps there is also a little jealousy, given the Union’s communications debacle. Some are prepared to take on responsibility with us. The other part of the Union is forgetting its good manners towards our federal chairwoman. And the boss is standing in the middle and watching to see who wins. I can imagine that jealousy is coming up – of our unity and determination.
Peace policy that has nothing to do with country issues is important to your BSW. Now you are negotiating with the CDU, which, at least in Thuringia, has not distanced itself from arms deliveries to Ukraine. How credible are you as the BSW on this point?
Peace policy is important to us and it must play a role at the state level. The issue of war and peace was very important for people and voters in these state elections. And perhaps it is a good idea to take up the will of the voters after the election and implement it – and not constantly try to educate people. Perhaps then there will be fewer special programs on television on the topic: Why is discontent growing among the population?
The CDU does not want a higher minimum wage, but would prefer tax-free overtime. They and the BSW reject this and want to introduce a wealth tax. Do these parties even fit together when it comes to finances and social issues?
It is true that we currently have different approaches to social and economic policy. We are committed to justice and improvements for the general population. At the same time, we have a responsibility to the country and the voters. Election results are not a wish list.
That was a typical political phrase. What exactly do you mean?
We will not behave like the CDU, which has already passed two incompatibility resolutions and is now discussing the third against us. One wonders what will happen if they exclude the SPD because the grand coalition is undesirable – then only the FDP remains. That is all nonsense. We have a duty to take responsibility. At the state level, we must look closely at what can be achieved together. We have made it clear that we will make concrete proposals if there are improvements for the people on the ground. If these can be implemented together, we are also prepared to work together.
Are you and the BSW now coming to terms with reality and realising that your populist demands such as a higher minimum wage and social justice cannot be implemented with the CDU?
I have to disagree, this is not populism, there are also calls from established parties. In Thuringia and Saxony, we now need to explore which specific issues there are commonalities in the states, such as improvements in the education system. Then it will become clear whether there has been progress for the states as a whole. Our local representatives will clarify this in the exploratory talks. I will not anticipate anything from the federal level, as these are state issues that will be discussed by our state representatives in the talks. After that, we will have to assess the situation together.