BSW faction in Thuringia announces no vote on AfD's motion of no confidence

As the administration of the Thuringian state parliament stated in response to an inquiry, the constructive motion of no confidence is procedurally tied to the counter-candidate named by the AfD. Votes containing a different name would be invalid. A vote in favor of Höcke is therefore ruled out.

Procedure and binding to Höcke

The state parliament administration explained on inquiry that the procedure does not allow for any alternative candidate: «Laut Auskunft des Thüringer Landtages ist das nicht möglich: Das konstruktive Misstrauensvotum gegen Mario Voigt sei an den AfD-Gegenkandidaten Björn Höcke gebunden. Auf den Stimmzetteln stehe nur sein Name. Werde ein andere Name hinzugeschrieben, sei der Stimmzettel ungültig.»

With the BSW's determination, the existing majority for Voigt in the state parliament is not in question. Acceptance of the motion of no confidence is therefore considered unlikely, as the red-red-green minority government under Voigt can continue to count on the votes of the four factions represented in the state parliament other than the AfD.

The CDU, as coalition partner, had already previously declared its intention to reject the AfD's motion. With the BSW signal, a broad majority of CDU, SPD, Die Linke and BSW against the opposition's initiative is now consolidating.

Majority situation in the state parliament

According to observers, the BSW's clarification has above all a signaling effect toward its own electorate and toward the other democratic factions. The party wishes to publicly position itself against any form of cooperation with the AfD, according to circles within political Erfurt.

In substantive terms, the faction justifies its rejection with the AfD's overall political programme and, in particular, with the political orientation of Höcke. Cooperation with, or even the toleration of, Höcke as Minister President would be incompatible with the political identity of the BSW.

Justification for the rejection

The motion of no confidence is part of a parliamentary dispute that has shaped the debate in Erfurt for weeks. The AfD had tabled the motion in order to shift the majority situation in the state parliament in favor of its own candidacy.

With the determination now made, the vote on the motion of no confidence in the planned special session is likely to take place formally, but to be largely decided politically. The outcome is considered secured.