Kretschmer: Not clear whether talks will lead to government

The outcome of the exploratory talks between the CDU, BSW and SPD is open, according to Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU). "It is not clear whether the whole thing will lead to a government in the end," said Kretschmer following the meeting on Tuesday. "We have very strenuous and difficult talks ahead of us." However, he was motivated by the fact that women and men were meeting who wanted to make a difference for their home state of Saxony.

"It's not about these three coalition partners giving up their content," emphasized Kretschmer, "but about treating each other with respect and writing down the things that can be agreed upon.

"Constructive, interested people" at BSW

With regard to the role of BSW national chairwoman Sahra Wagenknecht, the Minister President said: "I am certain that we are going our Saxon way here." At the BSW in Saxony, he said, he was experiencing "constructive, interested people who want to make a difference". The contentious issue of Ukraine is on the table, as are the different positions. It has been made clear "what the foundations are for us". Further talks could be held along these lines.

The CDU, BSW and SPD met on Tuesday morning for the first round of exploratory talks for a joint coalition. 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%) can be considered for a majority government. A continuation of the old coalition of CDU, Greens (5.1 percent) and SPD is not enough.