German Left Party Sets Conditions for CDU Cooperation in Saxony-Anhalt

Heidi Reichinnek, the leader of the Left party (Die Linke) faction in Saxony-Anhalt, has laid out specific conditions for any potential cooperation with the CDU, should a minority government be formed in the state following the upcoming elections.

Reichinnek stated unequivocally that her party would not collaborate with any entity seeking to implement the policies of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Furthermore, she emphasized that any cooperation must lead to concrete "improvements for the people," which she believes should be demonstrably reflected in the state's budget.

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we will not work with anyone who ultimately wants to implement AfD policies.

Her remarks come as the CDU maintains a formal policy of non-cooperation with the Left party. Reichinnek criticized this stance, suggesting it reveals more about the CDU's own political maneuvering. She contrasted the CDU's firm "firewall" against the Left with what she described as a gradual dismantling of their own barrier against the AfD. Reichinnek pointed to existing de facto cooperation between CDU-led minority governments and the Left in the states of Saxony and Thuringia as evidence of this inconsistency.

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Improvements for the people

Reichinnek also attributed some of the current high approval ratings for the AfD to the federal government's policies. She criticized perceived attacks on the eight-hour workday, the pension system, and the rising costs and declining quality of healthcare and nursing insurance. According to Reichinnek, these issues foster frustration among citizens who feel unheard by politicians.

Saxony-Anhalt is scheduled to hold state elections on September 6, 2026. Current polls indicate the AfD is leading significantly, suggesting a potentially challenging political landscape for the established parties.

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It says a lot about the Union that it continues to raise its firewall to the Left, while it is dismantling it piece by piece to the AfD.