Protracted government formation looms in Saxony

Dresden (dpa/sn) - In Saxony, a protracted and difficult government formation is looming after the state elections. A few hours after the election, party representatives were still avoiding concrete statements on possible coalition partners. Only the AfD made clear overtures to the CDU to reconsider its previously clear no to cooperation.

It is the people's wish to have a stable government, explained AfD General Secretary Jan Zwerg. "The CDU and AfD together would be extremely stable." Together, they would have over 80 seats in the state parliament and there would also be a great deal of overlap in terms of content. In addition, the people of Saxony would not want a left-wing party to be part of the government.

CDU Secretary General Alexander Dierks clearly rejected cooperation with the AfD a little later. As in 2019, the party ran in the state elections with this statement: "Of course, this also applies to the time after the state elections." However, he was not a fan of the term "firewall" because it always makes it easy for the AfD to portray itself as a victim and martyr.

The AfD defines itself through a "very harsh formulation of actual or supposed grievances". "I think this party, with all its rights and obligations, should be treated in the same way as an opposition party, without making a big fuss about it."

Dierks expressed his conviction that it will be possible to form a majority government in the Free State "as a result of long talks". He did not want to comment in detail on coalition possibilities for the CDU/CSU. If it comes to a majority government and the AfD is ruled out, the only option for the CDU is a coalition with the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) and the SPD. Dierks said that talks with BSW would be held to see where there is overlap and where compromises can be defined."

CDU just ahead of the AfD

In the state election in Saxony on Sunday, the CDU received 31.9 percent of the vote, just ahead of the AfD with 30.6 percent. The BSW achieved 11.8 percent. They were followed by the SPD (7.3%) and the Greens (5.1%). The Left Party only achieved 4.5%, but still entered the state parliament because it won two direct mandates in Leipzig. This results in the following distribution of seats in the state parliament: CDU 41 seats, AfD 40, BSW 15, SPD 10, Greens 7, Left 6, Free Voters 1.

Political scientist Tom Thieme assumes that the CDU, BSW and SPD will form a government. "It should be easier for the CDU than with the Greens due to some fundamental similarities - limiting immigration, demands for diplomacy in the Ukraine war, rejection of gender and identity politics." The new government constellation is likely to be particularly uncomfortable for the SPD, he said. Some overlaps with the BSW in social and education policy would be offset by major political and cultural differences, especially in terms of social policy.

SPD state leader sees BSW cooperation as "extremely skeptical"

Saxon SPD state leader Henning Homann was "extremely skeptical" about a possible coalition involving the BSW. The BSW's course is extremely unclear and there are major gaps in the Wagenknecht party's election manifesto, especially when it comes to state policy issues, said Homann. He was also cautious about a possible minority government. Options that formally exist do not necessarily have to work, he said. However, the SPD is basically ready for talks.

Left Party state leader Susanne Schaper sees the narrow entry into the state parliament as a last chance for her party. "We have been given one last chance - and we have to make the most of it." The federal party needs a fresh start. The situation in the party as a whole is serious and the election result is "by and large a disaster". What is needed is a structural, programmatic and personnel reboot in the federal party.

BSW is confident

Representatives of the BSW were confident about possible coalition talks. The BSW now wants to pursue "proper politics" in Saxony. On Tuesday, they want to meet with the 15 newly elected future MPs and evaluate the election, explained BSW politician Lutz Richter. The aim is to "find suitable personnel for our political approach over the next few weeks". There are some members without previous parliamentary experience, "but not without life experience".

The leadership duo of the Saxon Greens were visibly disappointed. "In this overall situation, we Greens did not succeed well enough in getting through with our issues and goals," explained party leader Marie Müser.

Election administrator corrects state parliament election results

Shortly before the start of the press conferences, an announcement regarding the distribution of seats in the state parliament caused a stir. According to the state electoral administration, an incorrect distribution of seats had been published due to a software error. Now the Greens and the SPD will each receive one more seat, while the CDU and the AfD will each receive one less seat than initially stated.
The recalculation means that the AfD has lost its so-called blocking minority in the state. AfD General Secretary Jan Zwerg took note of this calmly. The AfD now wants to review the calculation basis internally. Despite the change, the previous coalition of CDU, Greens and SPD still does not have a majority in the new state parliament.