Germany's far-right AfD seeks BSW deal or defectors to form state government

MAGDEBURG, Germany, Sept 11 (Reuters) – After winning Sunday's state election in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) needs to attract defectors from other parties or strike a deal with the small far-left BSW party, which is setting tough conditions for its support.

Ulrich Siegmund, the 35-year-old AfD leader expected to become premier, said he had held discussions with the BSW and individual members of other parties "to explore whether there are any commonalities that could help ensure a stable majority." He expressed hope that such a majority would be formed in the state parliament "as soon as possible." However, in German politics, it is not uncommon for coalition negotiations to last weeks or even months before a government is formed.

These discussions highlight the political reality facing Siegmund. During his campaign, he repeatedly stated his desire to secure an absolute majority to govern alone, but ultimately fell just short, winning 39 seats in the 83-seat parliament. Even if he reaches agreements with other parties to take office as premier, his majority may be very slim, making governance more complex than the record-breaking vote share suggests.

Policy Agenda and Political Isolation

The AfD is already the most popular party nationwide and is seeking to advance its agenda, which includes:

• Strictly limiting immigration
• Restoring relations with Russia
• Cutting support for Ukraine
• Exiting the eurozone

However, all other parties in the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament – as at the national level – refuse to cooperate with the far-right party, with the sole exception of the BSW, a small far-left party that shares the AfD's desire to limit immigration and restore ties with Russia.

BSW's Conditions and Stalemate

The BSW, which won five seats in the state parliament, has expressed interest in cooperating with the AfD but has so far stated it does not want to enter a formal coalition and prefers an independent premier – a condition Siegmund rejects.

Speaking to reporters in Magdeburg on Thursday, Siegmund said: "Slightly less than 44% of people in Saxony-Anhalt voted for the Alternative for Germany. Naturally, our goal should be to be able to nominate the Minister-President."

Potential CDU Defections

If no agreement can be reached with the BSW, the most likely alternative is persuading some of the 15 members of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in the state parliament to defect and support the AfD. Internal disagreements within the CDU over the so-called "firewall" strategy used by mainstream German parties to isolate the AfD could tempt some members to switch sides. But so far, no defectors have been confirmed.

Possibility of New Elections

If no deal is reached, Siegmund has even raised the possibility of new elections, stating, "In principle, we do not shy away from this." "This would stem from a situation where no one is willing to take responsibility," he said.

Source: Reuters