Gabriel criticizes SPD and CDU for concessions to BSW

Former Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel has sharply criticized the SPD and CDU for their concessions to the Sahra Wagenknecht coalition (BSW) in several eastern German states. He called for the BSW's foreign policy demands not to be addressed in coalition negotiations at state level. "It's time that neither the SPD nor the CDU let themselves be led through the ring by Mrs. Wagenknecht's nose ring," the Social Democrat told the "Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung" newspaper.

Wagenknecht's "daily call to please include rejection of the war in Ukraine in the coalition agreements in the eastern German states" is nothing more than "a daily election campaign with anti-American resentment". "If the SPD and CDU weren't so scared, they wouldn't even address this demand by Ms. Wagenknecht. Not even in any preambles or formula compromises."

In Brandenburg, Saxony and Thuringia, there are talks about the possible formation of a government by the SPD and/or CDU with the BSW, which plays a key role in each case due to the complicated majority situation. The BSW has demanded a position on diplomatic efforts in the Ukraine war and on the stationing of US medium-range missiles in Germany, which it opposes. Different compromise formulas have already been negotiated in Brandenburg and Thuringia.

The former Vice-Chancellor and current chairman of the Atlantik-Brücke association, Gabriel, insisted on a hard line. "You simply have to say to the BSW representatives in eastern Germany: if you want to make state policy, we are willing to talk and will certainly find common ground," he said. Article 73 of the Basic Law stipulates that the federal government has sole responsibility for foreign policy. "Either you accept that, then we can negotiate a coalition. If not, then there will be no negotiations and we will form a minority government. Then let's see if the BSW dares to make common cause with the AfD." Gabriel added: "She will do it once at most, after that the BSW will no longer exist."