A growing divide within the political party BSW has surfaced as national leaders push for a coalition collapse in Thuringia, while many regional party members oppose the move.

The leadership of the BSW party is embroiled in internal conflict over the future of its coalition in the state of Thuringia. The national leadership, led by Chairman Fabio De Masi, last week urged the state branch to withdraw from its coalition with the CDU and SPD, arguing that party members in the region favor cooperation with an independent candidate for state premier. However, regional leaders claim that there is significant support for continuing the coalition and maintaining stability.

Key voices from the Thuringian branch, including Jens Zöllner, leader of the BSW’s Erfurt-Sömmerda district, assert that despite loud dissenters, many members wish to uphold the current alliances. Echoing these sentiments, Matthias Herzog, another regional leader and deputy parliamentary group chairman, contends that his interactions with party members and citizens reveal widespread backing for the coalition’s continuation. Both leaders have highlighted support from public correspondence and grassroots members as evidence of their stance.

While some within the party are calling for a special conference to address fundamental governance issues, including the separation of leadership and government roles, most regional factions appear united in their criticism of the national leadership’s approach. Leaders like Daniel Riedel and Kerstin Kurze argue that the party should halt internal disputes and concentrate on addressing pressing policy matters. The ongoing dispute poses a challenge for the BSW’s image, as members grapple with finding common ground in a politically sensitive time for the state.