Germany’s Political Landscape in East Germany: The Challenges Facing the CDU in Thuringia and the Uncertainty of Forming a Government in East Germany

In the upcoming state elections, the CDU is facing a complex challenge, particularly in Thuringia where the AfD is leading in the polls. The party’s federal vice-president Karin Prien has acknowledged this difficulty and has not ruled out collaboration with the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance (BSW) after the three East German state elections. However, she emphasized that any potential collaboration would require a careful assessment of BSW’s candidates and political goals before a decision could be made.

Prien reiterated the CDU’s exclusion of cooperation with the Left Party and the AfD, highlighting that these parties are incompatible with the CDU’s political ideology. Daniel Günther, Schleswig-Holstein’s Prime Minister (CDU), has also called for a more open approach to working with the Left Party but made it clear that a coalition with them was not an option. Although Günther acknowledged that there are differences between the CDU and the Left Party, he stressed that they do not pose an equal threat to democracy as does the AfD.

The possibility of forming a government in Brandenburg, Thuringia, and Saxony remains uncertain due to majorities being unclear in these states. Despite this uncertainty, Günther has emphasized that Germany must remain committed to its democratic values and reject any attempts to form coalitions with extremist parties like the AfD. The political landscape in East Germany remains uncertain as election day approaches.