Doreen Voigt leaves BSW parliamentary group in Saxony

Doreen Voigt has left the Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) parliamentary group in the Saxon state parliament to serve as an independent deputy. Voigt, a social pedagogue, stated that her decision was driven by what she perceives as an insufficient distinction between the BSW and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. She noted that her primary goal was to prevent the AfD from gaining influence and found participating in joint votes with them personally difficult.

BSW parliamentary group leader Ronny Kupke rejected Voigt’s characterization of the party’s stance, asserting that the BSW maintains an independent course and views the AfD simply as a political competitor like any other. Kupke criticized the AfD’s policies regarding armament and social equity, while also suggesting that established parties should reconsider their approach to the AfD given recent electoral results in neighboring regions.

Kupke further challenged Voigt to return her mandate, arguing that since she entered parliament via the BSW’s state list, returning the seat would be the fair course of action if her positions no longer align with the party's objectives. Voigt clarified that she was never a formal member of the BSW party, though she did serve within its parliamentary group.