Political researcher Constantin Wurthmann cautioned the BSW against collaborating with the AfD. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post,” Wurthmann asserted that the BSW must now make a final decision regarding this matter. He also pointed out that the BSW was originally founded to offer an alternative to the AfD, yet recent actions give the impression that the party is trying to flatter or appeal to the AfD.
The political scientist from the University of Mainz expressed his concern that the BSW seems unaware of how strongly such a stance can alienate voters who desire a critical but constructive force aligned with the original founding principles.
This warning stems from the AfD’s election victory in Saxony-Anhalt. On Monday, the BSW in Saxony-Anhalt reaffirmed its willingness to support an AfD Prime Minister in the state parliament. BSW lead candidate Thomas Schulze told Deutschlandfunk that if the successful AfD top candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, runs for office, the BSW will continue to abstain from a third round of the state parliament election.
