Formation of government
“Peaceful treaty”: Thuringian coalition agrees
Updated 11/22/2024Reading time: 4 min.
The negotiations were bumpy – BSW boss Wagenknecht intervened. Now the CDU, BSW and SPD found a compromise on the peace issue. A new Thuringian government could be in place in December.
After tough negotiations over peace policy demands from BSW boss Sahra Wagenknecht, Thuringia is heading towards GermanyS first blackberry coalition consisting of the CDU, BSW and SPD. Almost three months after the state elections, the party leaders in Erfurt presented their coalition agreement.They found a compromise on the long-disputed topics of peace and medium-range missiles: the preamble to the government program was not changed, but additions were made to the text of the treaty.
In Saxony, negotiations between the CDU and SPD with the BSW had broken down; in Brandenburg, a coalition between the SPD and BSW is being sought. In Thuringia,committees and members of the three parties still have to approve the contract.
CDU leader Mario Voigt, who is expected to run in the prime ministerial election in December, called the coalition agreement the “foundation for a new, effective government” that wants to make life better for the people in Thuringia.
“We were not created for each other,but we have a responsibility to reach out to each other,” said SPD leader Georg Maier. The result is good, so he is confident about the SPD member survey, which starts next week. “Thuringia needs a new start,” said BSW chairwoman Katja Wolf. Their co-chairman Steffen Schütz remarked to the three coalition members: “We are made for each other, we will prove it.”
Regarding Wagenknecht’s role in the negotiations, which were at times on the rocks, Wolf said: ”yes, we struggled with each other at one point or another.” When it came to the issue of peace, the BSW was “about the nitty-gritty”. That’s why she understands that this is an critically important point for Wagenknecht. She can imagine that the BSW founder – if she can arrange it in time – will come to the party conference on December 7th, when the Thuringian members vote on the coalition agreement. There is actually no need to invite them to this historic moment, says Wolf.
Wagenknecht had already made positive comments about the Thuringian coalition agreement in the past few days – she had harshly criticized the previous exploratory paper.“The criticism and pressure from the party have helped to anchor the signature of the BSW much more firmly in Thuringia and also to push through clearer positions on peace policy, such as criticism of the US missile plans,” Wagenknecht told the dpa. “As of now, we will be participating in two state governments, which is unprecedented for a party that hasn’t existed yet.”
The chapter on European policy states that it is recognized that many people see the stationing of medium-range missiles ”as a essential change in the strategic and military situation in Europe and also in Germany.” “We are critical of stationing and its use without German participation,” the paper now says. Thuringia’s SPD leader Georg Maier said the sentence describes the current legal situation. When it came to formulating medium-range missiles, “In my opinion, we have achieved a great success,” said Wolf.
Voigt said that the sovereignty of a state must require “that a parliament of a government is involved when something happens on its own territory.” “We have known this principle since nuclear sharing, we know this principle in the case law of the highest courts,” he said.
Challenging majority situation in the state parliament
If their committees agree, the three parties will have to govern under difficult conditions. They have 44 of 88 seats in the Thuringian state parliament. A blackberry coalition named after the party colors would therefore be dependent on at least one vote from the opposition – i.e. from the Left or AfD – when making decisions. When finding a majority, the CDU, BSW and SPD want to rely on a consultation process in which they inform the other factions about key points and obtain their positions before introducing laws or initiatives. SPD leader Maier believes that talks with the Left are necessary in order to achieve majorities. “We have to keep the AfD away from power,” he said. He reiterated that with the SPD there would be no changing majorities with the AfD in decisions.
What are the key issues addressed in the Thuringia coalition agreement between CDU, BSW, and SPD?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Thuringia Coalition Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today we have a special session focusing on the recent developments in Thuringia, notably the coalition agreement among the CDU, BSW, and SPD. Joining us is Dr. Lisa Müller,a political analyst specializing in German politics. Dr. Müller, thank you for being here!
Dr. Lisa Müller: Thank you for having me! ItS great to be here to discuss such an crucial topic.
Editor: let’s dive right in. the negotiations for this coalition were described as “bumpy.” Can you elaborate on the major challenges faced by the parties?
Dr. Müller: Absolutely. One of the main points of contention was the peace policy, led by BSW’s Sahra Wagenknecht. the disagreements around medium-range missiles and the overall stance on peace required notable compromise from all sides.The negotiations tested the parties’ ability to collaborate despite their ideological differences.
Editor: It sounds like it was quite the balancing act! The article mentioned that the compromise was reached without altering the preamble of the government program. Why is that significant?
Dr. Müller: Keeping the preamble unchanged indicates that while the parties have found common ground, they are still acknowledging their distinct perspectives. The additions made to the coalition agreement reflect a willingness to adapt their positions on specific issues without erasing their foundational principles. It’s a strategic move to ensure that all parties feel represented while still presenting a united front.
Editor: Engaging! And this coalition is referred to as a “blackberry coalition.” Can you explain what that means in the context of Thuringia’s political landscape?
Dr. Müller: The term “blackberry coalition” refers to the combination of three politically diverse parties—the CDU,BSW,and SPD. Just like the fruit, which contains different flavors, this coalition blends various ideologies.It reflects a situation where parties that are not conventional allies must work together for the greater good. This type of coalition is rare and showcases the necessity of collaboration in today’s political climate.
Editor: Speaking of collaboration, CDU leader Mario Voigt called the agreement the foundation for a new and effective government. What are his main goals moving forward?
Dr. Müller: Voigt’s focus appears to be on delivering tangible improvements for the people of Thuringia. This means addressing economic concerns, welfare, and, importantly, peace policy—an area that has been contentious. His leadership will be crucial in fostering a sense of unity among coalition members while also ensuring that they meet the expectations of their constituents.
Editor: The article mentioned that the SPD will hold a member survey next week regarding this coalition.How critical is this survey for the stability of the coalition?
Dr. Müller: It’s a pivotal moment.The support of SPD members is crucial for legitimizing the coalition and ensuring that the agreement moves forward. If the members feel uncertain or resistant, it could jeopardize the coalition’s stability right from the start.Consensus among party members will be essential to maintain a functional partnership in the long run.
Editor: Wagenknecht’s role in the negotiations was particularly highlighted. How significant is her influence in shaping the coalition’s direction moving forward?
Dr. Müller: Sahra Wagenknecht’s influence is quite significant, especially concerning peace policy. The BSW is highly likely to advocate strongly for its positions, and Wagenknecht is viewed as a passionate, if sometimes polarizing, figure. Her engagement and the party’s willingness to negotiate indicates that peace will be a continuing priority.However, balancing these demands with the needs of the CDU and SPD will require careful navigation.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insights into this complex political scenario. It’s clear that the coalition’s next steps will be closely watched, not just in Thuringia, but across Germany.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time in Thuringia, and I look forward to seeing how this coalition evolves.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. We’ll continue to follow the developments around this coalition and bring you the latest updates in German politics.