Overview
- On Monday the Thuringian BSW parliamentary group voted to remain in the CDU–BSW–SPD coalition, with 13 of 15 present backing continued support for Minister‑President Mario Voigt.
- The federal BSW executive had on August 14 demanded Voigt’s immediate resignation after TU Chemnitz revoked his doctorate for plagiarism; Voigt’s lawyer says he will legally challenge the university decision.
- Two Thuringian BSW deputies, Anke Wirsing and Sven Küntzel, withdrew their backing for Voigt, leaving the coalition vulnerable because it holds only 44 of 88 seats and lacks an outright majority.
- Several local BSW district associations have called for a special party conference to decide the party’s course in Thuringia, while AfD leader Björn Höcke has publicly offered cooperation that Sahra Wagenknecht rejected.
- Regional leaders warn the split could have electoral consequences in nearby state votes, notably Sachsen‑Anhalt on September 6, where observers fear BSW instability could indirectly strengthen the AfD.