German party leaders demand Thuringia postpone party congress

Leaders of the BSW party's state associations are demanding that the Thuringian BSW postpone its special party congress, scheduled for September 6. The date is causing significant dissatisfaction among the other 15 state associations because it falls on the same day as the state election in Saxony-Anhalt.

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We have noted with irritation that this is planned for the day of the state election in Saxony-Anhalt.

In a letter obtained by dpa, the state chairpersons expressed their "irritation" at the timing. They warned that holding such an event concurrently with an important election could lead to the BSW being overshadowed by internal party disputes on election day. "Nobody who wants to support the BSW's entry into the state parliaments can want this," the letter states, appealing to their Thuringian party colleagues.

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It is to be expected that there will be controversial discussions at the party congress.

The planned party congress in Thuringia is a result of a dispute with the BSW federal executive board. The board has demanded that the Thuringian BSW faction withdraw its support for Minister-President Mario Voigt (CDU) and leave the coalition with the CDU and SPD. This demand stems from the Technical University of Chemnitz's revocation of Voigt's doctorate, a decision he is legally contesting.

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Whoever holds such an event parallel to an important election accepts that the BSW will make headlines on election day with internal party disputes.

Katja Wolf, the Thuringian BSW state chairwoman, is reportedly in conflict with the federal board over this issue. The controversy highlights internal tensions within the BSW as it navigates its role in regional politics.

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Nobody who wants to support the BSW's entry into the state parliaments can want this.