Following the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf assigned shared responsibility for the electoral outcome to the federal government. Speaking to Phoenix, he stressed that the ruling parties-and particularly the SPD, for which he is responsible-need to clearly define their direction. Klüssendorf stated that many citizens felt insecure due to the reforms, noting that the government failed to sufficiently explain why such changes were necessary. He added that several critical issues must now be discussed this autumn, including pensions, long-term care, healthcare, and fuel prices.
The SPD General Secretary also criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU, claiming that his rhetoric was a mistake. Klüssendorf argued that the public rejects it when told from Berlin that they are doing things incorrectly, despite those citizens “working their butts off every day.” He asserted that this approach does not work, concluding that reforms must be implemented “with” the people, not “against” them-a sentiment he believes “many felt was the case.”
Furthermore, Klüssendorf cautioned that he “would not recommend” a majority coalition that includes the AfD. He expressed hope that the BSW, as well as other democratic parties, would discuss how to achieve a governing majority without needing the AfD’s involvement.
