Sören Pellmann, the leader of the Left faction in the Bundestag, has expressed openness regarding a potential collaboration between the CDU and the Left Party in Saxony-Anhalt. He suggested that a model of tolerance, similar to those seen in Thuringia or Saxony, is conceivable. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” (Friday edition), Pellmann noted that it is already evident at the municipal level that majorities can be formed involving both the Left and the CDU. Although this doesn’t often receive public attention, he stated that cooperation in practice is happening where concrete improvements for the public are at stake.
However, Pellmann emphasized that the CDU bears the responsibility for advancing this partnership. He questioned how cooperation could function if Sven Schulze refuses to engage in dialogue. The Left politician also speculated that the current Minister President of Saxony-Anhalt might not retain his post in the future.
Pellmann further commented on the fragmentation of the German party system, noting that classic coalition arrangements are no longer self-evident. Consequently, he argued that there needs to be more consideration regarding how democratic collaboration on specific issues can be organized, even without fixed majorities. Despite this, he clarified a firm boundary: the Left Party will not support a CDU Minister President at any cost. They insist on having a meaningful say in policy areas, such as internal affairs, educational policy, and healthcare provision in rural areas.
Furthermore, Pellmann offered praise for the new Union faction leader, Thorsten Frei. He contrasted Frei with Jens Spahn, stating that Frei is a different person, partly because he lacks the baggage of scandals. Pellmann added that while Frei holds very clear and conservative positions, he remains amenable to discussions-a significant difference in his view.
Pellmann also noted that Frei actively seeks dialogue and provides information in his capacity as Chancellor’s Chief of Staff. In contrast, he claimed that Jens Spahn repeatedly ignored outreach attempts from the Left faction. He concluded by stating that a renewed dialogue offer from the Left toward Thorsten Frei is not closed off, provided that substantive improvements can be successfully achieved through such talks.
