Dresden political scientist criticizes BSW votes for AfD motion in state parliament

Dresden political scientist Hans Vorländer sees the BSW votes for an AfD motion in the state parliament as a disruptive maneuver in the formation of a government by the CDU, BSW and SPD. "It is an affront to the potential coalition partners," Vorländer told the German Press Agency. The BSW had thus demonstrated mistrust and unreliability.

On Friday, the SPD had interrupted the exploratory talks for a so-called Brombeer coalition after a large proportion of BSW MPs voted in favor of a motion by the AfD for a coronavirus investigation committee. The committee of inquiry would have been set up even without the BSW's votes, as the AfD is represented in the state parliament with 40 MPs, but only 24 votes were required.

Political scientist Vorländer said that it is completely uncertain whether the BSW will also vote with the AfD on other issues in the future. The expert therefore does not currently see a reliable and trustworthy basis for a coalition between the CDU, BSW and SPD.

The political scientist pointed out that a committee of inquiry has completely different rights to the commission of inquiry sought by the CDU and SPD. "Just like in court, witnesses can be summoned, which has a completely different impact," he said.

The policies of the CDU and SPD during the coronavirus pandemic are now also being questioned by the BSW in the committee of inquiry. "This cannot be in the interests of a joint government."

Soundings interrupted

The Saxon SPD leaders Kathrin Michel and Henning Homann spoke of a "heavy burden on the ongoing exploratory talks". Supporting the content of a populist proposal from a secured far-right party was fatal. The three parties began the exploratory talks on Tuesday.