Magdeburg: The lead candidate of the left-wing Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) in Saxony-Anhalt has declared that no one who supports 'any Zionist projects' can become the eastern German state's next premier. Claudia Wittig made these statements during an interview with Compact media, emphasizing the BSW's openness to discussions with other parties elected to the Magdeburg state parliament, including the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD), as long as the new premier supports peace policies.
According to Anadolu Agency, Wittig underscored the BSW's demand for an independent premier who is neutral in party affiliations and pursues a peaceful policy direction. She firmly stated, "Our clear red line is that the new premier must be someone who pursues a policy of peace. And that rules out anyone who supports any kind of Zionist project." Wittig was also critical of increased defense spending and investments in weapons production, arguing that such strategies escalate conflicts.
German media have connected Wittig's comments to her campaign promise to oppose a potential establishment by Israeli defense company Elbit Systems in Sangerhausen, located in the Mansfeld-Suedharz district-a project her party vehemently opposes.
The statements were made two days after the September 6 state election, where the AfD secured 43.8% of the vote, translating to 39 of the 83 seats in the Magdeburg state parliament-three seats shy of a majority. Every major party, apart from the BSW, has dismissed the possibility of forming a formal coalition or working with the AfD. Saxony-Anhalt's domestic intelligence agency has classified the AfD's local branch as a verified right-wing extremist group, citing elements within the party that promote a racially and ethnically exclusive understanding of national identity, which is inconsistent with Germany's democratic principles.
The BSW has indicated its willingness to engage in dialogues with the AfD, but has categorically ruled out backing a government led by the AfD's lead candidate, Ulrich Siegmund. The party has called for a governmental shift and an independent premier who is not aligned with any party.
"We are not entering coalition negotiations; we are talking about projects," Wittig remarked on Tuesday. She noted that the BSW would engage in discussions with all parties concerning the policies it advocates for Saxony-Anhalt.