BSW seeks joint debates with AfD before East German state elections; AfD declines

The Bundesbündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) sent an open letter proposing two public duels between its founder Sahra Wagenknecht and AfD co‑leader Alice Weidel, to be held in Magdeburg (Saxony‑Anhalt) and Schwerin (Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern) ahead of the September 2026 state elections.

AfD, via Weidel, rejected the invitation, stating that any cooperation with BSW would only be considered after BSW clears the five‑percent electoral threshold and emphasizing that each party will run its own campaign.

The BSW also called for ending the “brand wall” with the AfD and advocated the creation of “over‑party” ministers and legislative majorities that include the AfD in the new state parliaments, though it ruled out a formal coalition.