Table of Contents
- 0.1 Potsdam: SPD and BSW in Brandenburg agree on a coalition agreement
- 0.2 Formation of government in Brandenburg and Thuringia: Coalition talks begin in Thuringia and Brandenburg
- 0.3 State elections in Brandenburg: SPD and BSW want to quickly negotiate a coalition in Brandenburg
- 1 Woidke still saw open points
- 2 Air base in criticism
- 3 How does the disagreement surrounding the Arrow 3 deployment demonstrate the interplay between local concerns and national coalition building, and what precedents might this set for future negotiations in Germany?
During their coalition negotiations, the SPD and BSW are wrestling with the question of the unity of the future government alliance. The coalition agreement is practically finished down to the last details, but talks have stalled. BSW MP Sven Hornauf threatened not to vote for SPD Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke in the state parliament because of criticism of the federal government’s stationing of the Arrow 3 missile defense system at the Holzdorf air base.
Potsdam: SPD and BSW in Brandenburg agree on a coalition agreement
Formation of government in Brandenburg and Thuringia: Coalition talks begin in Thuringia and Brandenburg
State elections in Brandenburg: SPD and BSW want to quickly negotiate a coalition in Brandenburg
BSW parliamentary group leader Robert Crumbach sent the signal to his coalition partner for quick clarification. “I assume that we can solve the problems we still have with the SPD (…) in a timely manner,” said Crumbach after an almost four-hour group meeting on Tuesday. “If we have solved this promptly, then there will be an election for the Prime Minister where there will be no doubt about our votes.”
The SPD and BSW have 46 votes in the state parliament; at least 45 votes are required to elect the Prime Minister. If the coalition agrees on a contract, Woidke could be elected to the state parliament on December 11th. His goal is to form a stable government. Without Hornauf, the majority would shrink to one vote. The CDU parliamentary group does not want to vote for Woidke in the election of Prime Minister.
Woidke still saw open points
“There are still points that still need to be talked about,” said SPD state leader Woidke. He didn’t give any details. He pointed out that the coalition agreement would not stand if there was no agreement on the last point. “It could be this week, but we are working intensively,” said Woidke. According to information from the German Press Agency, the question of a reliable majority was particularly an issue in the SPD parliamentary group.
The SPD and BSW have been consulting for around three weeks. So far they have expressed confidence that the coalition negotiations can come to an end this week. They had largely agreed on major controversial issues, including the priority of analogue learning in primary schools, more police positions, curbing illegal migration and a collective bargaining agreement for public contracts.
Air base in criticism
Hornauf, a member of the state parliament, told the German Press Agency: “Anyone who supports the installation of the Arrow 3 in Brandenburg will not get my vote.” The Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB) previously reported on it. Hornauf emphasized: “I am not against the Bundeswehr location, nor against the establishment of the Chinook squadron or the Hawk missiles.” The MP did not come to the BSW parliamentary group meeting in person.
Crumbach said that the expansion of the Holzdorf military airfield and the deployment of the Arrow 3 missile defense system was a decision by the federal government. The BSW is critical of the purchase and deployment of the system because it costs “an insane amount of money” and the benefits are very questionable. This is not a question that concerns state politics. Hornauf had resubmitted a controversial request from several members of the BSW state parliamentary group about the Holzdorf air base to the state government under his name, even though it had previously been withdrawn.
How does the disagreement surrounding the Arrow 3 deployment demonstrate the interplay between local concerns and national coalition building, and what precedents might this set for future negotiations in Germany?
## World Today News: Coalition Talks in Brandenburg - A Critical Moment
**Welcome back to World Today News! Today we are discussing the latest developments in Brandenburg’s coalition talks.** We are joined by two distinguished guests:
* **Dr. Elisabeth Schmidt**, Professor of Political Science at the Free University of Berlin, specializing in German coalition governments.
* **Herr Peter Müller**, Political Analyst and Commentator for the Brandenburg Journal.
Thank you both for being here. Let’s jump right into the conversation.
**Section 1: The Stalemate & The Future of the Coalition**
* Professor Schmidt, the article mentions a stalemate in coalition talks between the SPD and BSW. What are the key factors contributing to this impasse, and what are the potential consequences if these negotiations fail?
* Herr Müller, the SPD and BSW have been expressing optimism about reaching an agreement this week. Is that optimism warranted given the current situation and the concerns expressed by MP Hornauf? Could this tension damage the stability of a future coalition?
**Section 2: The Arrow 3 Debate & Its Impact on Local Politics**
* Professor Schmidt, this Assyrian issue seems to be causing significant friction within the BSW. How common is it for local or regional concerns to influence national coalition politics, and how might this specific case set a precedent for future negotiations?
* Herr Müller, the BSW argues that the decision to deploy the Arrow 3 system is a federal matter and shouldn’t impact state-level politics. Do you agree with this assessment? How might this event impact public perception of the BSW heading into a potential coalition government?
**Section 3: The Future of Brandenburg & The Importance of Stable Governance**
* Professor Schmidt, looking beyond this immediate crisis, what are the broader challenges facing the incoming Brandenburg government? What are the key issues that voters will be watching closely?
* Herr Müller, Mr. Woidke has stated that the coalition agreement will not stand without resolving this final point. What are the potential ramifications for Brandenburg if a stable government cannot be formed? What message would that send to investors and citizens?
**Final Thoughts**
* Professor Schmidt, what advice would you give to the SPD and BSW as they navigate this crucial stage of the coalition talks?
* Herr Müller, what are your predictions for the outcome of these negotiations? What does the future hold for Brandenburg politics?
**Thank you both for your insightful perspectives. We will continue to follow these developments closely and bring you further updates on World Today News.**
