Formation of government
First government from SPD and BSW in office – setback for Woidke
Updated on December 11, 2024Reading time: 3 min.
Dietmar Woidke can continue to govern as Prime Minister in Brandenburg – even if there are long faces in the election. What is new for Germany is the coalition with the BSW, which he leads.
The first nationwide coalition of the SPD and BSW started with a setback in Brandenburg: the Social Democrat Dietmar Woidke was re-elected as Prime Minister by the state parliament, but only in the second round. Woidke still sees a good basis for starting work now.
In the second round of voting, 50 MPs voted for Woidke in a secret vote, 36 MPs voted against him and one MP abstained. 45 yes votes were necessary for the election. The
The Brandenburg CDU parliamentary group leader Jan redmann expressed the assumption that Woidke had been re-elected with votes from the AfD. He said: “Dietmar Woidke is the second Prime Minister after Thomas Kemmerich to come into office with the votes of the AfD.” There was no approval for this coalition from the CDU,he wrote on platform X.
Woidke himself said in an interview with RTL/ntv that it was impossible to find out who voted and how. “Well, that’s also (…) wasted time. We should concentrate on the tasks.”
“today is the day when the work really begins,” said the head of government after his re-election,which he described as a great leap of faith. He was elected head of government for the fourth time – but the first three times were always in the first round.
The SPD politician was accompanied in the state parliament by his wife Susanne and other family members. The new Finance Minister Robert Crumbach came with his partner, among others.
After the appointment and swearing in of nine ministers, the SPD and BSW government took office. However, the designated Agriculture Minister Hanka Mittelstädt (SPD) still has to wait for the certificate of appointment until the final separation from her own agricultural business has been completed.
The Wagenknecht alliance was only founded this year and is still considered politically quite inexperienced. According to a survey, there are greater reservations about the alliance among the population: 61 percent of those surveyed in Brandenburg rated the coalition as less good or bad.
Shortly before the appointment, it became known that the Potsdam public prosecutor’s office was investigating the new Economics Minister Daniel Keller (SPD) for possibly misusing an academic title. According to press reports, an inquiry was initiated, said public prosecutor Hanna Urban when asked.
Keller said this morning that he had no knowledge of any public prosecutor’s investigations. He “informed both the state parliament and my parliamentary group that I had successfully completed my bachelor’s degree in political science, administrative science and sociology. That is also what the university confirmed to me.”
The election of the new head of government is also on the agenda in Thuringia on Thursday.The CDU politician Mario voigt then wants to be elected as Bodo Ramelow’s successor with votes from the CDU, SPD and BSW. Unlike the SPD/BSW alliance in Brandenburg with 44 out of 88 MPs, the so-called blackberry coalition in Erfurt does not have its own majority.
What are the implications of the SPD-BSW coalition for future governance in Brandenburg?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert on the recent Government Formation in Brandenburg
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, too another insightful segment at Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Anna Müller, a political expert with a keen focus on German politics and coalition dynamics. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Müller.
Dr. Anna Müller: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss the recent developments in Brandenburg.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. dietmar Woidke has been re-elected as Prime Minister, but it came after a rather shaky first attempt. What does this say about the current political climate in Brandenburg?
Dr. Müller: Absolutely,it reflects a meaningful moment of uncertainty.Woidke’s re-election came only after a second round of voting where he secured 50 votes against 36, with one abstention.This situation highlights the fractured state of politics in Brandenburg and indicates challenges he might face, even within his coalition with the BSW.
Editor: Right.This is the first nationwide coalition between the SPD and BSW. how coudl this partnership shape governance in Brandenburg moving forward?
Dr. Müller: This coalition is indeed historic and could serve as a model for future alliances. However, it’s essential to note that starting off with this setback raises questions about unity and effectiveness. Woidke himself expressed optimism about having a solid working basis. Still, given the accusations from the CDU of possible collaboration with the AfD, trust and stability within the coalition will be critical moving forward.
Editor: The CDU has voiced concerns regarding Woidke’s reliance on votes possibly from the AfD. what’s the implication of such allegations on party dynamics and public perception?
Dr. Müller: Such allegations can severely damage public trust not only in Woidke but also in the coalition.If he is perceived as having to rely on votes from a party with such controversial positions, it could alienate moderate supporters and hurt the SPD’s long-term credibility. woidke’s own dismissal of these concerns, emphasizing the need to move on to substantive issues, signals his intentions, but whether that resonates with voters remains to be seen.
Editor: Woidke described his re-election as a “great leap of faith.” In your opinion, what should his immediate focus be to ensure effective governance?
Dr.Müller: Key areas like economic recovery post-pandemic, social stability, and infrastructure should be his top priorities. Additionally, fostering a sense of unity within his coalition, while also managing external criticism, will be crucial for a smooth governing process. If he can demonstrate decisive action and positive outcomes in these areas, he may solidify his position and quell dissent.
Editor: Given the larger German political landscape, what does this coalition suggest about future political alignments or shifts in Germany?
Dr. Müller: This coalition might indicate a broader trend towards non-traditional partnerships to secure governance in fragmented political environments. As parties adapt to an increasingly polarized electorate, we may see more coalitions that defy historical boundaries. It suggests a potential shift in strategy for parties across Germany who might need to collaborate with former adversaries to maintain political relevance.
Editor: Captivating insights, dr. Müller. Thank you for sharing your expertise on this complex and evolving situation in Brandenburg. We will certainly keep an eye on how things unfold.
dr.Müller: Thank you for having me! Its going to be an intriguing period in German politics.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in to this discussion. Stay with us for more updates on political developments across the globe.