BSW Signals Openness to AfD Before Thuringia State Election

In Germany at the end of June 2026, the BSW party has publicly offered the AfD joint campaign events ahead of the Thuringia state election. BSW politician Sahra Wagenknecht sent a letter to AfD politician Alice Weidel seeking campaign support, and the BSW criticized the so-called "Brandmauer" — the refusal of other parties to cooperate with the AfD.

The AfD is holding a federal party congress in Erfurt, with concerns about violence. CSU politician Alexander Dobrindt expressed worry about a possible blockade of the congress. A former department head at IW Medien has joined the AfD. The BSW said CDU Chancellor Friedrich Merz had "lost touch with reality" after a post about the German national football team.