BSW split dominates discussion at Thuringia state parliament

The departure of almost all Thuringian lawmakers from the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance dominated conversations at the state parliament’s open day, one day after the party split. Parliament President Thaddäus König said many visitors had asked about the development.

König said the open day was intended to give people direct contact with lawmakers and answers to their questions. “For that, this was not a bad moment,” he said.

Around 3,500 people attended the event, slightly fewer than the previous year. König said the turnout nevertheless showed continued public interest in the state parliament and its work. He also expressed confidence that the parliament’s session next week could take place largely as planned despite the political upheaval.

Several BSW lawmakers announced their departure on Friday after a prolonged dispute with the party’s federal executive and its founder, Sahra Wagenknecht. Those leaving included former parliamentary group leader Sigrid Hupach and Katja Wolf, the former state party leader, finance minister and deputy minister-president.

Most of the departing lawmakers plan to continue supporting the governing coalition formed by the CDU, SPD and BSW. The split also became the main subject of the traditional panel discussion with parliamentary group representatives during the open day.

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For that, this was not a bad moment.