Alice Weidel, leader of the AfD, has rejected an invitation from BSW for joint debates with Sahra Wagenknecht.

Alice Weidel, co-leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), has turned down an invitation from the Alliance for Justice and Freedom (BSW) to participate in joint debates with BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht. The invitation, extended in a letter dated June 26, proposed two debates in Magdeburg and Schwerin ahead of the upcoming state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Weidel’s spokesperson acknowledged the AfD’s positive reception of the proposal, citing shared goals such as advocating for diplomacy and an immediate end to the war in Ukraine. However, the spokesperson stated that the AfD does not wish to provide electoral support to the BSW, which is currently struggling to surpass the 5% vote threshold required for parliamentary representation. The spokesperson added that the AfD would be open to discussions with the BSW if it manages to achieve this threshold.

The BSW had outlined its vision for post-election collaboration with the AfD, aiming to replace current state leaders with nonpartisan ministers who would govern with shifting majorities in state parliaments. The proposal also emphasized the shared perception of both parties as being marginalized by the political mainstream. Despite the rejection, the AfD’s response leaves the door open for potential future cooperation.