Following the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, the BSW views itself as a significant political force in the country’s continued parliamentary work. In a recent podcast, hosted by the “Mitteldeutsche Zeitung” and the “Volksstimme,” Claudia Wittig, who co-chairs the BSW parliamentary faction, defended her party’s political strategy. She maintained that the BSW is willing to engage in discussions with the AfD, but firmly rejects any coalition with the AfD or selecting an AfD politician as Minister-President. Wittig stated that the party aims to base its political decisions on substantive issues, even when faced with fluctuating parliamentary majorities, asserting that the BSW acts as a bridge between existing political camps, dedicated to advancing concrete projects.
Wittig also reiterated the BSW’s definitive stance regarding the potential appointment of AfD politician Ulrich Siegmund as Minister-President. “We have stated that we would not support either Sven Schulze or Ulrich Siegmund,” she confirmed, dismissing subsequent speculation that the party might reverse its decision. “We positioned ourselves very clearly and very early on this matter. We are holding fast to that position.”
Instead of continuing to focus on traditional party politics, the BSW continues to champion the concept of a head of government who is unaffiliated with any specific party. This non-partisan leader would be tasked with overcoming the entrenched political divisions within the State Parliament. Wittig revealed that the BSW is already considering potential candidates for this role. While she declined to name the individual, she did confirm that the person has been contacted and is generally willing to be considered. “We have someone,” Wittig reported. She added, however, that the suggestion does not necessarily need to originate from the BSW itself; the critical requirement is finding an individual “who can be trusted to connect these camps” and who can gain acceptance both within the AfD faction and among the other parties.
