Germany’s Merz Sends Urgent Business Appeal to Allies
The coalition government in Brandenburg, Germany, has collapsed due to internal strife within the BSW party. Brandenburg State Premier Dietmar Woidke from the Social Democrats (SPD) announced the dissolution of the alliance with the BSW, a left-wing party associated with Sahra Wagenknecht. The decision follows ongoing infighting and resignations within the BSW, which weakened its majority in the state parliament.
Collapse of the Brandenburg Coalition
Woidke declared the coalition void after failing to secure necessary support from BSW politicians. “The basis for cooperation in a coalition is no longer available,” he stated. With the BSW’s diminished ranks, the SPD will now function as a minority government.
Background and Impact
The BSW was established as a splinter group of the Left Party, focusing on left-leaning economic policies, a critical view of Ukraine, and tougher migration stances. In the September 2024 elections, the BSW gained 13.5% of the vote in Brandenburg, showing strong support particularly in the former East Germany.
- 2024 State Elections: BSW received 13.5% of the votes.
- Crisis Initiated: BSW faced resignations and complaints about extremist tendencies.
- SPD’s Position: Now leading a minority government.
The BSW’s popularity was short-lived; it failed to secure the necessary 5% for Bundestag representation in the 2025 national vote. This decline was influenced by a mini-resurgence of the Left Party after Wagenknecht’s departure.
Possible Outcomes in Brandenburg
Should Woidke and other parties fail to form a new coalition, early state elections may be on the horizon. The regional political landscape is complicated by the AfD’s significant presence, which garnered 29.2% support in 2024, closely trailing the SPD’s 30.9%.
The political dynamics in Brandenburg will be closely monitored as potential alliances develop. Woidke has indicated a willingness to discuss cooperation with the center-right CDU.
