Table of Contents
- 1 Russia, pensions, arms industry: SPD and BSW reach an agreement in Brandenburg
- 2 The Union and SPD are looking for answers to AfD election records in the East
- 3 BSW is pushing for tax relief for pensioners and border controls in Brandenburg
- 4 Ministerial posts after the state elections in Brandenburg are to be announced on Monday
- 5 **How might the coalition’s emphasis on free master training and affordable housing impact Brandenburg’s economic development and social equity in the long term?**
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The SPD and BSW are approaching a coalition agreement in Brandenburg. The points of contention were Russia sanctions and a constitutional check for civil servants.
Potsdam – Negotiating for around three weeks SPD and BSW in Brandenburg. Major points of contention have now obviously been resolved. According to party circles, the alliance wants to present its coalition agreement for Brandenburg as early as the middle of the week. After successful coalition negotiations in Thuringia, the BSW is expected to enter the second German state parliament.
In Saxony, coalition negotiations after the state elections failed, and the SPD and CDU are aiming for a minority government there.
According to information from the SPD and BSW B.Z. Find an agreement on solutions for dealing with economic sanctions and the constitutional loyalty check for civil servants – the main topics of contention so far. Since the sanctions against Russia result in high energy prices, there should be help for companies. The parties also agree that the constitutional fidelity check, which has been in effect since September, should be reviewed promptly. The BSW wanted to abolish the new check, the SPD is sticking to it.
Russia, pensions, arms industry: SPD and BSW reach an agreement in Brandenburg
Sea B.Z. Overall, the Social Democrats prevailed in the negotiations: Brandenburg will not make any effort to lift the sanctions against Russia with regard to oil and gas. Likewise, there will be no blockade for defense companies to locate in the state. Previous demands from the BSW in this context were removed from the draft contract.
The Union and SPD are looking for answers to AfD election records in the East
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The new one State government plans instead, to support companies that are particularly hard hit by increased energy costs. This particularly refers to the PCK refinery as well as steel and cement plants. The planned expansion of the Holzdorf air base in Brandenburg and the stationing of anti-aircraft missiles there remain unaffected by the coalition agreement.
BSW is pushing for tax relief for pensioners and border controls in Brandenburg
The demand of Wagenknecht-Alliance, namely free school meals for everyone, could not be implemented – the idea was not financially viable. However, some of Wagenknecht’s promises did make it into the coalition agreement: Brandenburg will campaign at the federal level for the tax exemption of pensions under 2,000 euros.
The future coalition also wants to advocate for free master training and the “containment, prevention and rejection of irregular migration”. This includes border controls, accelerated asylum procedures and the strict implementation of the “Dublin 3 Agreement”.
Ministerial posts after the state elections in Brandenburg are to be announced on Monday
Die Decision on the distribution of ministerial positions is scheduled to drop on Monday. Robert Crumbach, the head of the BSW, claims the Interior or Finance Ministry, the two most important departments. Dietmar Woidke (SPD) has not yet commented on this. However, it seems certain that the SPD will hand over the Ministry of Education to a BSW minister. Crumbach plans to fill the infrastructure ministry with his party colleague Detlef Tabbert.
Brandenburg’s Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke (SPD) shakes hands with Robert Crumbach, state chairman of BSW Brandenburg (lr). © Michael Bahlo
## Open-Ended Discussion Questions for the Brandenburg Coalition Agreement
This article discusses the coalition agreement between the SPD and BSW in Brandenburg. Here are some open-ended questions to facilitate a discussion:
**I. Coalition Formation and Policies**
1. **What were the main points of contention during the coalition negotiations between the SPD and BSW? How were these differences eventually resolved?** This probes into the negotiation process and highlights potential concessions made by both parties.
2. **How does the coalition agreement reflect the respective ideologies and priorities of the SPD and BSW? Where do they align, and where do they diverge?** This encourages understanding of each party’s stance and how it is manifested in the agreement.
3. **What are the potential implications of this coalition for the political landscape in Brandenburg and beyond? Could this be a blueprint for future coalitions in other German states?** This explores the wider impact and potential ripple effects of this agreement.
**II. Economic and Social Issues**
4. **How does the coalition agreement address the economic challenges posed by the Russia sanctions, particularly for energy-intensive industries in Brandenburg? Is it sufficient to protect businesses and workers from hardship?** This delves into the economic aspects of the agreement and invites different perspectives on its effectiveness.
5. **What are the potential impacts of the coalition’s commitment to promoting free master training and affordable housing? Who will benefit most from these policies?** This encourages discussions on the social implications of these measures and who might be left behind.
6. **The coalition wants to advocate for tax exemption of pensions under €2,000 at the federal level. Do you think this is a fair and sustainable solution? What are the arguments for and against such a policy?** This prompts debate on a specific policy proposal and its potential consequences.
**III. Migration and Security**
7. **What are your thoughts on the coalition’s stance on migration, including border controls, accelerated asylum procedures, and the “Dublin 3 Agreement”? Does it strike a balance between humanitarian concerns and security needs?** This invites reflection on complex issues surrounding migration and encourages critical analysis of the coalition’s policy recommendations.
**IV. Future Directions**
8. **How will the appointment of BSW ministers, particularly in key portfolios like the Interior or Finance Ministry, impact the direction of Brandenburg’s policies?** This probes into the potential influence of the BSW within the coalition government.
9. **What are the biggest challenges facing the new SPD-BSW coalition government in Brandenburg? How can they effectively address these challenges and fulfill their promises to the electorate?** This encourages forward-
thinking and invites discussion on the future path of Brandenburg under this new government.
