Saxony-Anhalt: AfD and BSW Pull Together in First State Parliament Session

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The first session of the Magdeburg state parliament, which took place entirely under the chairmanship of the new AfD speaker of parliament, ended in the afternoon — and it ended the way many observers had expected: a joint motion by the AfD and BSW, the so-called peace motion, was passed with the votes of these two parliamentary groups. All other factions in the parliament voted against it. SPIEGEL editor Peter Maxwill reports directly from the parliamentary chamber.

First-Ever Joint Motion in a German Parliament

What happened in Magdeburg on Tuesday afternoon is a first in German parliamentary history: according to Maxwill, the AfD and BSW have for the first time jointly introduced a motion in a German parliament — and subsequently passed it. The new axis is no longer just a vague rumor of an alliance, but sealed on the ballot. The other four factions — CDU, SPD, Greens, and Left — stood united against it, even though they are politically far from agreed among themselves.

The BSW's Language Remains Contradictory

And yet the picture remains ambiguous. The BSW continues to insist that it does not want to elect AfD frontman Ulrich Siegmund as Minister-President — and will not enter any formal coalition with the AfD. As of today, however, this holds: without the BSW, there is no majority in the Magdeburg state parliament for an AfD government. The party that officially keeps its distance from the AfD is de facto the kingmaker. Siegmund reaffirmed on Tuesday that he intends to run for the office of Minister-President in December.

Symbolism and a Heated Debate

That the session was politically heated can be read from the details Maxwill describes. The SPD and Greens appeared in yellow and blue clothing — as a symbolic show of solidarity with the attacked Ukraine against the thrust of the peace motion. The opposition visibly positioned itself against the "politically symbolically charged atmosphere" that prevailed in the chamber that day with such gestures. But it did not remain at symbols: Maxwill speaks of open mockery, dispute, contradiction, and many interjections in a "very heated" debate.

What This Means for the Coming Months

For you this means: the first minutes of this state parliament have simultaneously locked in two things. First — the AfD and BSW can, if they want, organize majorities. Second — the other four factions will not simply submit to this constellation. If the mood in the coming weeks, months, and possibly years remains as it was on this Tuesday, Saxony-Anhalt faces, according to the SPIEGEL reporter's assessment, a "very tough and fierce political culture." The opening was no ordinary constituent session, but a declaration of battle to the other side of the chamber. The next test of mettle follows in December, when the election of the Minister-President is on the agenda — and the BSW must show its colors as to whether "no formal coalition" also means "no vote for Siegmund."

Source: SPIEGEL