Ramelow advocates for cooperation between Die Linke and CDU in Saxony-Anhalt

Ramelow's initiative is remarkable because cooperation between Die Linke and the CDU at the federal level has been considered out of the question for years. The appeal is aimed exclusively at state politics in Saxony-Anhalt.

Reactions and open questions

The CDU has so far not publicly commented on the offer. Observers see the initiative as a signal toward pragmatic majorities in order to prevent AfD participation in government.

The AfD itself, when asked about a possible government participation in Saxony-Anhalt, has repeatedly emphasized that it is ready to assume responsibility in state governments. Ramelow cited this as the reason for his initiative.

A new state parliament is being elected in Saxony-Anhalt. The exact election date has not yet been set, but observers believe the election is drawing closer. A stable majority without the AfD is considered a major challenge.

Ramelow made his remarks on the news program on 11 August 2026 at 1:00 a.m. The statements were aired on BR24 Nachrichten and picked up by several media outlets.

Significance for national politics

Observers in Saxony-Anhalt are reacting in divided fashion. While CDU politicians are responding cautiously, commentators see the initiative as a serious attempt to prevent an AfD government.

Die Linke itself has also not yet commented uniformly on the initiative of its vice president in the Bundestag. Some state politicians view the idea skeptically, while others support it.

It remains unclear whether the CDU wants to engage with the offer. In Union circles, reference is made primarily to the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, where the CDU is considered the second-strongest force.

For the political discussion in Saxony-Anhalt, Ramelow's initiative represents a new turn. For the first time in a long while, a leading Die Linke politician is openly advocating for cooperation with the CDU in an eastern German state with a large area.

The development is being watched closely at the national political level. In his role as Bundestag Vice President, Ramelow sits above the state party organizations and is regarded as an experienced mediator of political compromises.