Exploratory talks for blackberry coalition begin in state parliament

The CDU, SPD and BSW will meet in the state parliament from 10.00 a.m. on Tuesday to kick off the exploratory talks for a so-called blackberry coalition. This was announced by a spokesperson for the SPD. The state executive committees of the three parties had each voted in favor of the exploratory talks at the end of last week. Successful exploratory talks would then be followed by coalition negotiations.

There had previously been several introductory talks, which resulted in a position paper. In it, the potential partners had set out a whole range of common issues - for example in education policy, health and care or easing the burden on agriculture.

Controversial points between the parties

Some points are still controversial. These include the creation of a Saxon border police force, which is supported by the CDU. The SPD is pushing for more investment in education and infrastructure. For the BSW, peace policy remains the central issue in the exploratory talks.

In the state elections on September 1, the CDU was the strongest party with 31.9 percent of the vote, ahead of the AfD (30.6 percent). As the CDU categorically rules out an alliance with the AfD and the Left Party, only an alliance between the CDU, BSW (11.8%) and SPD (7.3%) is possible for a majority government. A continuation of the old coalition of CDU, Greens (5.1 percent) and SPD is not enough.