AfD and BSW Prepare Joint Resolution in Saxony-Anhalt to End Aid to Ukraine
The far-right AfD and the left-wing populist BSW together hold a majority in Saxony-Anhalt's state parliament. They plan to pass a joint resolution calling for an end to military aid to Ukraine and restored ties with Russia.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the left-wing populist Union for Social Justice (BSW) intend to pass their first joint resolution soon, demanding an end to military aid for Ukraine, according to Reuters and Deutsche Welle. Following the recent election, the two parties together control a majority in the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament.
What the document says
The authors want the state parliament to declare that the policy of sanctioning Russia and supplying Ukraine with weapons and financial assistance has failed. They argue that further escalation in Ukraine must be avoided and call for "a policy that promotes peace."
The text also demands an immediate ceasefire and the start of peace talks with Russia, along with the return of normal economic relations between Germany and Russia and the lifting of sanctions.
A vote is set for October 14. DW and Reuters note that it will be largely symbolic, since state governments have no say over German foreign policy. Reuters added, however, that the initiative highlights the AfD's ongoing push to stop German support for Ukraine and re-establish ties with Russia.
Representatives of the BSW said Germany needs policies that put Köthen, a town in Saxony-Anhalt, ahead of Kyiv.
Election results
In early September, the AfD won the Saxony-Anhalt election with its strongest result to date: 43.8% of the vote. It secured 39 of the 83 seats in the state parliament, and together with the BSW it holds 44.
The AfD says it is already in talks with Russia about resuming gas supplies to Germany. The party's foreign policy spokesperson, Markus Frohnmaier, discussed the matter with Gazprom chief Alexey Miller.
