On December 14, 2024, the Saxon Christian Democratic Union (CDU) made headway toward forming a minority government by approving a coalition agreement with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) during a special party congress held in Dresden. The move marks the first time the CDU and SPD will collaborate under such circumstances, as previous coalition attempts faced significant hurdles.
At the party congress, CDU delegates voted overwhelmingly for the nearly 100-page coalition agreement, displaying remarkable unity even amid some dissent. The CDU’s state chairman, Michael Kretschmer, used the occasion to call for party solidarity and outlined the necessity of cooperation with other parties to achieve legislative successes. "Daniel, you could always feel the pulse of the party perfectly," he emphasized, urging his team to prepare for "challenging times" ahead, emphasizing member participation and consensus-building.
Following the CDU's decision, attention now shifts to the SPD, which is conducting its own member survey via mail-in ballots to gauge support for the coalition agreement. The SPD is expected to announce its results on December 16, 2024. Should the SPD members approve, Kretschmer is poised to present himself for re-election as Minister-President on December 18, potentially needing backing from opposition parties to secure his position.
The coalition talks between the CDU and SPD began mid-November after previous discussions to form what was dubbed the Brombeer coalition with the left-leaning Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) collapsed without agreement. This failure to reach consensus left the CDU with few options, effectively excluding alliances with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) or the Left Party.
Criticism of the coalition's approach was voiced by some party members, including CDU state treasurer Matthias Grahl. He warned, "Ansonsten beschließen wir hier einen Turbo für die AfD," indicating the risks of compromising with the left to secure political support could backfire and empower the AfD. Grahl's concerns highlight the ideological rifts within the party and discontent with the agreed-upon concessions.
He wasn’t alone in his criticism. Christian Hartmann, the CDU parliamentary leader, acknowledged the experimental nature of fostering this minority government. "Die Minderheitsregierung sei ein Experiment," Hartmann stated, recognizing the weight of the coalition and the necessity of continual negotiation with partner parties. He conceded challenges lie ahead, noting, "Ja zu sagen sei schwerer, weil es Kompromisse, Schmerzen und Niederlagen geben werde." He emphasized, though, how important it is for the CDU to step up, declaring, "Das Land habe es aber verdient, dass eine Partei wie die CDU Verantwortung übernehme." This sentiment reflects the CDU's aim to project itself as the responsible choice for governance amid rising political tensions and uncertainty.
The coalition agreement outlines several ambitious proposals, including providing free mandatory preschool education and establishing a Saxon border police. There are also plans aimed at relieving financial pressures on municipalities and counties, along with preserving all hospital sites—a move intended to bolster public health services.
Parallel to the congress, the CDU also took steps to prepare for the upcoming early federal elections, slated for February 23, 2025. They elected their candidate list, with notable mentions like the two-time Olympic winner Jens Lehmann receiving significant support among constituents. This indicates a strategic focus on strong, recognizable figures as part of the CDU's approach to re-establishing itself on the national electoral front.
With the SPD members set to cast their votes soon and Kretschmer's re-election plans fast approaching, the political dynamics of Saxony may well see significant transformations depending on the coalition's future viability and the collaborative strategies devised to engage with various parliamentary factions.
Come December 16, with early ballots counted and results expected, all eyes will undoubtedly be on the SPD’s decision and Kretschmer's fate as Saxony navigates this uncharted political territory.