Brandenburg's New Coalition Faces Tensions Over Bundesrat Abstentions

The SPD-BSW government abstains on key votes, including military cooperation and healthcare, highlighting internal divisions.

Brandenburg's new SPD-BSW coalition abstained on multiple Bundesrat votes due to differing views within the government, as mandated by their coalition agreement.
The BSW opposed Bundeswehr-related measures, including the stationing of a brigade in Lithuania and the introduction of a new Wehrdienst, citing concerns about militarization and escalating tensions with Russia.
SPD leaders criticized the BSW's stance on military cooperation, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling commitments to NATO and allied nations.
Social Minister Britta Müller (BSW) condemned the Bundesrat's approval of a 0.2% increase in the Pflegebeitrag, arguing it would burden workers and employers without addressing systemic issues in healthcare.
Despite internal discord, Ministerpräsident Dietmar Woidke (SPD) highlighted positive outcomes for Brandenburg, including tax relief measures, increased Kindergeld, and the continuation of the Deutschlandticket for regional travel.