After the state election | SPD is looking for majorities in Saxony-Anhalt

After losing the election in Saxony-Anhalt, the SPD is trying to get the democratic forces together at the table. Photo: dpa/Julian Stratenschulte Magdeburg. Some in the CDU initially thought that the Social Democrats had made a joke. The SPD, which became the third strongest force in the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt with just over nine percent, is inviting people to a dialogue about the formation of a government - parallel to the ongoing discussions between the AfD and BSW. A few hours after the SPD invitation, the Christian Democrats declined. After the election defeat, the CDU under Prime Minister Sven Schulze finds itself in the opposition.

Together with the CDU, the Greens, the Left and the BSW, the Social Democrats wanted to discuss next Tuesday how things can proceed after the election - and whether there is a chance of bringing a government into office apart from the AfD, for example by electing a non-partisan Prime Minister. But nothing will come of it for the time being. "The CDU Saxony-Anhalt will not take part in this conversation," said a CDU spokeswoman. The state executive board has decided to go into opposition. “The regional association is sticking to this decision.”

In the state elections on September 6th, the AfD was the strongest force with 43.8 percent, ahead of the CDU with 17.2 percent. The CDU therefore sees the government mandate with the AfD. "The election result is relatively clear, the ball is in the AfD's court," said CDU state deputy Marco Tullner. If the talks between AfD and BSW do not make progress, we could reconsider, said Tullner, referring to the SPD invitation. "But now is the wrong time."

Nobody in Saxony-Anhalt wants to form a coalition with the AfD. However, the AfD and BSW are exploring the extent to which collaboration on content is possible. The BSW also rejects a coalition with the AfD. The discussions are about content that an AfD-led minority government could implement.

Even without the CDU leadership, representatives of the SPD, the Greens and the Left would like to meet with the BSW in Magdeburg. Precisely because no one can present a simple solution, it is important to talk to each other, said a Left spokesman. "We believe it is wrong that the CDU is not prepared to have a joint discussion in the current situation."

The Greens also regret the cancellation. "It's a shame that the CDU isn't taking part," said co-state leader Susan Sziborra-Seidlitz to the German Press Agency. The SPD’s initiative is welcomed. “There has to be a government quickly.” Ultimately, a state budget must be drawn up promptly, said Sziborra-Seidlitz. A standstill lasting months would have a serious impact on initiatives and projects.

There is a stalemate in Saxony-Anhalt. The CDU, Left, Greens and SPD together have 39 seats in parliament, and the AfD also has 39 members. The BSW with its five representatives plays a key role - because 42 votes are needed for a majority. The BSW could therefore act in different directions: The party could either work with the CDU, SPD, the Greens and the Left or cooperate with the AfD. Changing majorities including the AfD, on the other hand, exclude several factions.

For weeks there has been discussion about whether a non-partisan head of government could be helpful - the BSW first brought that into play. The SPD state leaders Juliane Kleemann and Andreas Schmidt wrote to the other four parties in their invitation to the discussion that they wanted to “discuss the proposed proposal for the election of a non-partisan prime minister.”

The representatives of the BSW would like to take part in the exchange, but consider the planned round of discussions to be incorrectly structured. "We are pleased that our proposal from the non-partisan Prime Minister has met with approval and at the same time we are surprised that the strongest parliamentary group in the state parliament was not invited to these important discussions," said BSW parliamentary group leader Thomas Schulze. A suitable candidate who bridges the divides must also be elected with votes from the AfD, which received 44 percent of the vote in the state election, said Schulze.

"A government that relies on the AfD or changing majorities with it is out of the question," said an SPD spokesman. “For the election of a non-partisan prime minister, no support from the AfD is mathematically necessary.” dpa/nd

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