East Germany Elections Present CDU with Difficult Coalition Options as Prime Ministers Explore Collaboration with Left and Far-Right Parties

The upcoming state elections in East Germany are presenting the CDU with a difficult challenge, as coalition formation is proving to be problematic. Prior to the weekend, Prime Minister Daniel Günther of Schleswig-Holstein called for greater openness in collaboration with the Left Party. However, Karin Prien, CDU federal vice-president and Minister of Education in Schleswig-Holstein, suggested that working with the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance (BSW) could be an option after the three East German state elections, depending on the individuals and political goals involved.

Prien emphasized that she still maintains her opposition to cooperation with both the Left Party and AfD, as per the CDU’s “incompatibility decision.” While Prien did not rule out working with BSW at the state level, she indicated that collaboration at the federal level is currently unlikely. Günther pointed out that while there are differences between the CDU and both parties, they cannot be equated.

Thuringia’s Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow was identified by Günther as a non-threat to democracy despite being from the Left Party. Carsten Linnemann, CDU General Secretary referred to their decision in 2018 to reject coalitions or similar cooperation with both parties. With elections set for September in Brandenburg, Thuringia and Saxony parliaments remaining uncertain about forming coalitions and governments.

In Thuringia where AfD leads followed by CDU and BSW in polls; forming a majority and government post-election has become increasingly complex. The landscape remains open and it’s yet unclear how government will be formed at the federal state level.