Kretschmer: Cooperation with BSW is possible—but not with the AfD

The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance in Saxony remains a negotiating partner for Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU)—regardless of the BSW’s activities in the neighboring state of Saxony-Anhalt. “Saxony-Anhalt is Saxony-Anhalt. The BSW has no common core; the differences between the individual state chapters are enormous,” Kretschmer said in an interview with the Chemnitz-based “Freie Presse.” It always comes down to the people. “If our colleagues from the BSW want to take on responsibility in the Saxon state parliament, substantive cooperation is of course possible.”

Kretschmer has stated that what matters to him is whether “constructive forces want to participate, whether they share a common interest, and whether we can reach an understanding. “I don’t look primarily at party affiliation in that regard.”

Kretschmer: The AfD Is Becoming More Radical and Divisive

Kretschmer was also asked whether his stance on the AfD had changed. His answer was clear: “No. In the state parliament, I see them as a party that is becoming increasingly radicalized and that never misses an opportunity to sow division.” One must calmly set one’s own agenda. Every day, there is a new offer for all elected members of the state parliament to get involved. “The AfD could change its position and its image as early as tomorrow by working constructively, making proposals, and agreeing to things.”

According to Kretschmer, the AfD can “prove anew every day that it has smart ideas and wants to participate constructively.” However, he is not seeking a majority with this party. “Partly because I have seen time and again that it is not concerned with constructive solutions, but rather with blocking political work. A deliberate search for majorities, however, requires a minimum level of trust. The AfD has squandered that trust from the very beginning.” 

The term “firewall” casts the AfD in a martyr’s role

“We must not be deceived about the very nature of this party: it relies heavily on exclusion and division,” Kretschmer emphasized. He believes it is wrong to cast the AfD in the role of a martyr by using the term “firewall.” “We must confront them politically by setting our own agenda and offering sound solutions.”