Sahra Wagenknecht holds the Brandmauer (firewall) responsible for contributing to the AfD’s inflated self-perception. Speaking to the “Tagesspiegel,” the former chairwoman of the BSW and the current namesake of the party asserted that the firewall has failed and is actually guiding the AfD decisively toward obtaining an absolute majority. She remarked that it is evident panic is spreading within the AfD as they are forced to clarify their policies without the firewall, such as deciding whether to promote peace or encourage the establishment of arms manufacturers.
Regarding the BSW’s meetings with the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, Wagenknecht told the “Tagesspiegel” that there was respect for the voters when engaging in discussions with a party that commands the votes of over 40 percent of the public. These discussions aim to identify areas where they might be able to collaborate. Wagenknecht reiterated that while she has always insisted on not entering into a coalition, the focus is on pursuing specific projects instead. As an example, she mentioned a “fundamental reform of public broadcasting, which we hope will eventually lead many East Germans to forget what the “Aktuelle Kamera” looked like when watching the “Tagesschau”.”
