CDU wins tight state election in Saxony - path to government formation complicated

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Dresden - After a tension -charged choice, the CDU won the state election in Saxony, but the result is in the shadow of possible coalition difficulties. The Christian Democrats achieved 31.9 percent of the vote, just followed by the AfD with 30.6 percent, which was significantly increased compared to the 2019 election.

The results of the election show that the AfD, which is classified as a right -wing extremist, receives 41 seats in the new state parliament, while the CDU represents 42 mandates. This means that the CDU remains the strongest political force, but is fighting for government formation because none of the other parties want to cooperate with the AfD. This is an important challenge for Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer, who recognizes the need to have talks and to define a stable government course for Saxony.

upward trend of the BSW

The appearance of the alliance Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), which received 11.8 percent of the votes immediately after the foundation, was remarkable and could thus quickly intervene in the political game. The SPD, with 7.3 percent, also played a role, while the Greens narrowly made it to the state parliament at 5.1 percent. Meanwhile, the left fell back to 4.5 percent, but could continue to be represented in parliament due to two direct mandates won in Leipzig.

The choice also caused a high turnout of 74.4 percent, which is considered a record for the state elections in Saxony. This shows a strong interest of the voters to give their vote and reflects the generally tense political situation in the state.

coalition talks and challenges

The crucial question remains how Kretschmer can form a functional government. An association of the CDU with the AfD is excluded by a clear refusal of the other parties. A possible coalition partner could be the BSW, which has split off from the left, which is less problematic for the CDU. Kretschmer said that the formation of a stable government will not be an easy task, but it remains optimistic that discussions can bring progress.

AfD federal chairman Alice Weidel interpreted the election result as a historical triumph for her party and criticizes the attitude of the CDU to work with her party, which she sees as an ignorance of the will to voters. This could increase the pressure on the CDU to consider possible all -ending steps to ensure a stable government.

A hotly discussed topic in the election campaign was the war in Ukraine and the role of Germany as a NATO partner. Wagenknecht emphasized that clear positions against the stationing of US rockets in Germany were necessary for a government participation of the BSW. These constant tensions, combined with the discussion about migration and asylum, have strongly shaped the election in Saxony.

In summary, it can be said that Saxony is at a political turning point where the future of government formation and the associated political alliances must be decided. The CDU has to plan its next steps well in order to meet the wishes of the voters and to form a functioning government, while at the same time feeling the pressure of parties such as the AfD and the BSW. The coming weeks could be decisive for how the political landscape in Saxony will develop.