Regierungskoalition: Thüringer Koalitionskrise durch BSW – oder doch nicht?

Germany's only coalition of CDU, BSW and SPD is crumbling, or is it not? One day after a showdown between the BSW's federal board and its more sluggish Thuringian branch over the possibility of ending Thuringian government participation, coalition players in Erfurt are attempting to limit damages. The Thuringian BSW leadership announced a special party congress after responding to demands from some of its base, and from the BSW's chief representative, Sahra Wagenknecht, unexpected signals emerged.

CDU Minister-President Mario Voigt said in Erfurt that he sees his government coalition not endangered by the BSW clash between Berlin and Erfurt. "We are not tearing each other apart and not turning Thuringia into a pawn in party tactical maneuvers," Voigt said to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur. Thuringian BSW chief and Finance Minister Katja Wolf emphasized the trustful cooperation in the coalition in the country's interest.

Wagenknecht and Höcke entered this fray, with the BSW federal board demanding Voigt to stop supporting the coalition, leave it, and find a non-partisan government chief. Background is that Voigt lost a conflict against the revocation of his doctorate – and thus is under increased pressure. AfD faction chief Björn Höcke has already announced a constructive motion of no confidence against Thuringian government chief – and Wagenknecht as a candidate for the position of Minister-President.

Wagenknecht declined. Voigt said: "The coalition cooperates reliably and in trust. The clear commitment of the Thuringian BSW to joint government work has further strengthened this cooperation." Thuringians expected to be right that "we will take care of their concrete problems. Exactly this is focused by this state government."

The confrontation the BSW has endured since its government entry in Thuringia has "become emotionally stronger together," said the 49-year-old at a CDU event. Will the Left become more important? The BSW parliamentary faction voted by a majority of 13 to 15 to not leave the coalition on Monday. Wirsing and the Member of Parliament Sven Küntzel were absent.

Both members of parliament are considered supporters of the course of the federal board and Wagenknecht – and that further jeopardizes the already fragile government construct in Thuringia. CDU, BSW and SPD have only 44 of 88 votes in the Landtag and are already abandoned by the oppositional Left faction. Their influence could thus become greater.

Voigt wanted to comment on the role of the Left on request, but emphasized the existing consultation process. "This country needs stability," said the government chief. Wirsing said on the day after the vote in the faction that she would not fundamentally oppose motions or draft laws that the government coalition put to the vote in the parliament.

"My voting behavior remains issue-focused," she said. "It's not in my nature to think only in black and white." How will the conflict be resolved? She still holds a different opinion than the faction majority in the case of Minister-President Voigt. A dead heat, until Voigt's resignation was decided by litigation, would not do Thuringia and the trust of citizens in politics good.

Her view remains that it would be a proper signal if Voigt resigned, the CDU nominated a new candidate, or a non-partisan candidate came about, said Wirsing. The conflict has not been resolved: The BSW wants to clarify its internal dispute over its government participation in Thuringia at a special party congress, decided the Landesvorstand on Monday evening.

It will probably be held in the form of a members' assembly, at which all about 600 party members could take part, said a spokesperson. A date and a meeting place would be sought. That it takes place before the state election in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6th is unlikely, given the deadlines.