Ukraine War Influences East German Elections

As voters in Thuringia and Saxony prepare for state elections on September 1, the ongoing war in Ukraine has emerged as a pivotal issue, despite the limited foreign policy influence of state governments. Lead candidates from various parties expressed that the conflict resonates deeply with constituents in these former East German states. Katja Wolf, the lead candidate for the BSW party in Thuringia, emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions to end the war, cautioning against further military escalation and advocating for a reevaluation of German arms deliveries. Sahra Wagenknecht, a prominent figure in the BSW campaign, has set clear foreign policy conditions for potential coalitions, insisting on a commitment to diplomacy and opposing any preparations for war. She warned that an arms race would divert essential funds from critical domestic needs such as education and healthcare. In contrast, incumbent Thuringia state premier Bodo Ramelow, representing the Left party, has maintained a pro-arms delivery stance, acknowledging that his position may alienate some voters. In Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, the CDU state premier, has distanced himself from the federal party's strong support for arms deliveries to Ukraine, reflecting a nuanced approach amid public scrutiny. While candidates recognize the significance of foreign policy in the elections, they also caution against overestimating the influence of state-level decisions on national foreign policy, with some asserting that Thuringia lacks the power to shape Germany's stance on Ukraine.