Germany’s Left Party Turns to Far-Right AfD for Thuringian Premier

Sahra Wagenknecht, a prominent member of Germany’s Left Party, has sparked outrage by suggesting that her party support the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) candidate for Thuringian premier.

Background

The Left Party is a left-wing political party in Germany. It has its roots in the former communist party of East Germany and has traditionally been opposed to the AfD, which is known for its anti-immigrant and anti-EU views.

Thuringia is a state in eastern Germany. The AfD candidate for premier, Björn Höcke, is a controversial figure who has been accused of racism and anti-Semitism.

Wagenknecht’s Suggestion

In a recent interview, Wagenknecht suggested that the Left Party should support Höcke in order to prevent the election of a candidate from the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Wagenknecht argued that the CDU is a “greater evil” than the AfD.

Wagenknecht’s suggestion has been widely condemned by other members of the Left Party, as well as by the CDU and other political parties. Many have accused Wagenknecht of betraying the Left Party’s values.

Consequences

It is unclear what the consequences of Wagenknecht’s suggestion will be. The Left Party is currently in coalition with the CDU in Thuringia, and it is possible that the party could collapse if the Left Party decides to support the AfD.

The AfD has welcomed Wagenknecht’s suggestion, but it is unclear whether the party would actually be willing to form a coalition with the Left Party.

The situation in Thuringia is fluid, and it is unclear how it will be resolved.