Thuringia scandal: CDU leader Mohring does not want a new election - AKK now makes a statement

After the political earthquake in Thuringia, the CDU chief there wants to avoid new elections. Together with AKK, he gives a press conference in the evening.

• Thuringia : The state parliament has elected a prime minister - in a memorable process.
• The incumbent and election winner Bodo Ramelow was voted out with the votes of the AfD, CDU and FDP.
• The new head of government is FDP head of state Thomas Kemmerich - but he now dropped a bomb.

<<< UPDATE >>>

Update at 8:19 p.m .: The Thuringian CDU state party and faction leader Mike Mohring put the question of trust on the state executive of his party and survived. The Thuringian CDU general secretary Raymond Walk announced on Twitter on Thursday. Accordingly, Mohring was confirmed as state chairman with twelve yes votes in his office. According to Walk, two board members voted against Mohring .

. @ MikeMohring asks a question of trust in the LaVo of @cdu_thueringen and is confirmed with 12 yes to 2 no votes as chairman. The right signal for the future path together. @martin_debes @elmar_otto @ulli_sb @ cvoigt47 @hantzschmann

Update at 7:24 p.m .: What happens now after the political earthquake in Thuringia? FDP chief Christian Lindner and Thomas Kemmerich initiated the first steps with Kemmerich's resignation and the dissolution of the state parliament. In the further procedure, the politicians must also observe the Thuringian constitution. It clearly regulates what needs to be considered when a Prime Minister resigns.

• The early dissolution of the state parliament must be requested by a third of the Thuringian deputies - that would be a total of 30 of the 90 parliamentarians. Subsequently, two thirds - a total of 60 deputies - have to approve this application. At the earliest on the eleventh and at the latest on the 30th day after submitting the application, voting must take place.
• If the application to dissolve the state parliament receives a two-thirds majority, a new election must take place within 70 days. However, if no majority is reached, Kemmerich can submit a trust application. This is rejected if the majority of the state parliament, as at least 46 deputies, do not agree. Then the parliament can elect a new prime minister within three weeks.
• Although Kemmerich announced his resignation from the prime ministerial office a day after his election, he must run the business in Thuringia until his successor takes office - and the latter has yet to be found. The former ministers of the red-red-green government of Ramelow have not been in office since the election of Kemmerich on Wednesday. The official affairs of the ministries are currently carried out by the state secretaries.

Update at 18:14: The Thuringian CDU party and faction leader Mike Mohring wants to avoid a new election of the state parliament. The CDU party and parliamentary group in Thuringia are jointly responsible for “enabling conditions in the state parliament that give the state of Thuringia stability,” he wrote on Twitter on Thursday . To this end, the incumbent prime minister - i.e. Thomas Kemmerich from the FDP - could ask the question of trust in the state parliament and allow the election of a successor.

“It is the responsibility of all elected MPs to go this route to avoid new elections. Parliament must be able to do this for the sake of our democratic culture, ”Mohring continued. He thus took a counter position to Kemmerich, who is seeking to dissolve the state parliament and then re- elect it . Kemmerich had been elected the previous day with Prime Minister AfD and CDU votes.

Thuringia election: AKK and Mohring appear before the press in the evening

Update at 6:12 p.m .: CDU boss Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer surprisingly steps into the press with Thuringia's CDU boss Mike Mohring on Thursday evening. The statement is to be made at 8.30 p.m. following a joint meeting of the CDU parliamentary group and the CDU Thuringian state board, in which Kramp-Karrenbauer also wanted to participate, as the CDU parliamentary group in Erfurt announced.

Update at 5:37 p.m .: Green party leader Robert Habeck does not agree with the criticism of the CDU chairman Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer after the election scandal in Thuringia. "Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Paul Ziemiak's words after the election impressed me," he told the editorial network Germany (RND, Friday). "It is good how clearly they differentiate themselves from the AfD. And also how clearly they admitted that they could not prevail over the Thuringian CDU. "

Despite the "big mistake" on the part of the CDU in dealing with its national association, Habeck warned his party against general cancellations to the CDU and FDP at federal level: "If the Greens and other parties now begin to exclude cooperation with the Union, we will drive the Union into it Arms of the AfD . ”This also applies to the FDP:“ The congratulations to Erfurt, which also came from leaders, were difficult to bear. Still, it would be wrong to rule out collaboration per se, ”he said. The two parties would now have to work hard to restore trust.

Thuringia election: Ex-Prime Minister Ramelow speaks up - "I made a fool of myself"

Update at 17:18: After his failure in the prime minister election, Thuringia's previous head of government, Bodo Ramelow (left), FDP and CDU make violent allegations. "This vote has obviously been prepared ," he told the news magazine "Spiegel". That was all planned, he had become part of a disgusting game. "I made a fool of myself because I thought I was talking to Democrats," said Ramelow in the "Spiegel" interview.

" I am deeply disappointed by Thomas Kemmerich, the CDU state chairman Mike Mohring and others, " said Ramelow. "Because they would rather rule with fascists than not rule."

When choosing his successor Thomas Kemmerich (FDP), he had tears in his eyes at the time of the decision. He had fallen into a “ shock of shock ”. "When it became clear that the AfD candidate had received zero votes, it struck me like a shed: it was all planned. This candidate was just a useful idiot on the chess board . The moment of knowledge was the bitterest for me, ”said the 63-year-old.

He later ordered moving boxes, hung the pictures in his office and took everything he owned. "I gave the key to the state chancellery against a receipt."

SPD sees "permanent damage" to democracy because of the Thuringian election

Update at 17:14: The SPD sees permanent damage to democracy through the election scandal in Thuringia. The "dam break" must be remedied, "but it can not be made good," said party leader Saskia Esken on Thursday of the German press agency. The situation was by no means cleared up by the resignation of Thuringia's newly elected Prime Minister Thomas Kemmerich (FDP). Party leader Norbert Walter-Borjans demanded that Kemmerich not even remain in office for a transition period until a new election is held. "It cannot be that this result is only temporary." Esken emphasized: "Anyone who pacts with fascists in this country must not assume any responsibility."

The SPD now expects the CDU in the federal government to act quickly. Party leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer must ensure that the CDU in Thuringia take responsibility. "That means people have to take personal responsibility," said Esken. Walter-Borjans warned the coalition committee in Berlin on Saturday: "For cooperation at the federal level, it must be clear that we are all the pillars and pillars of this democracy in Germany. There should be no doubt about it. "

Spahn on Thuringia election: "The handshake with a hump is a wrong signal"

Update at 4:54 p.m .: After the election of Thomas Kemmerich (FDP) as Prime Minister of Thuringia, strangers smeared anti-Nazi slogans at several FDP headquarters with the voices of the AfD. "Nazis out" was written in Vreden in North Rhine-Westphalia at the local FDP office. At the regional office in Schwerin , the sentence “Fight Nazis! Fck FDP! “ To read. In the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state capital, strangers also smeared the CDU office with the words "Nazi Supporters" .

Update at 4:41 pm: "The CDU must now ensure without delay that the damage that has already occurred is removed and our cooperation is not deprived of the most important basis - the common defense of democracy in Germany" - these are the clear words used by the SPD Chief Norbert Walter Borjans told the Funke media group on the events in Thuringia on Thursday. As reported by the broadcaster ntv, the scandal in the Thuringian Prime Minister election apparently also caused tensions in the GroKo .

Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn (CDU) commented on Twitter about the Prime Minister election. "The handshake with humps is a fatal signal, " wrote Spahn. "There can be no government that depends on this radical."

The handshake with humps is a fatal signal. There must be no government that depends on this radical. An orderly process for new elections is the right way forward. All of our energy must now aim to build confidence in the democratic center.

Söder comments on the Thuringian election scandal: resignation Kemmerichs is a necessary decision

Update at 4:12 p.m .: Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) described the resignation of the new Thuringian counterpart Thomas Kemmerich as a " necessary decision ". Now the way is cleared for new elections. "Anything else would be inappropriate and not right," said the CSU chief.

Update at 3:31 p.m .: CDU General Secretary Paul Ziemiak has now publicly commented on the events in Thuringia: Kemmerich's decision was correct, but long overdue even after 24 hours . Ziemiak welcomes Kemmerich's decision to resign and dissolve the Thuringian state parliament. This would prevent further damage from Thuringia. Ziemiak also announced a special meeting of the Presidium for Friday evening.

Greens parliamentary group leader Katrin Göring-Eckardt described the behavior of the Thuringian CDU as irresponsible. "I can only hope that the CDU Thuringia will reflect," she said. FDP leader Lindner also had to accept harsh criticism from the Green Group leader. He "celebrated" on Wednesday . This should not go on if he assigned himself to the democratic spectrum. "I believe that democracy in our country has been shaken by what happened in Thuringia yesterday," said Goering-Eckardt.

FDP chief Lindner after Thuringian election scandal: No cooperation with the AfD

Update at 3.10 p.m .: Now Christian Lindner also makes public statements about the further steps of the FDP after the prime minister election in Thuringia. "Thomas Kemmerich made the only right, only possible decision, " said Linder. Within a day, he had freed himself from the dependency on the AfD.

Any kind of cooperation with the AfD should not exist in a democratic party in Germany. The parliamentary group wanted to take an initiative to dissolve the state parliament and enable new elections.

He was irritated that the CDU parliamentary group in Thuringia treated this question differently. He also calls on the CDU in Thuringia, together with the FDP, to clear the way for a reassessment of the situation. He emphasized that the FDP stood for a policy of the middle and that there was a " firewall against the AfD " and against the right. Previously, criticism of the FDP chief had been voiced that he had not positioned himself clearly enough about the events. Lindner said on Thursday afternoon that cooperation with the AfD under him as FDP chairman was excluded from the start.

FDP chief Lindner wants to ask the question of trust after Thuringian election scandal

Now the federal party leadership of the FDP must be re-legitimized, Lindner said. That is why Lindner intends to ask the question of trust at the special meeting of the party executive on Friday. It is now possible for him to continue as FDP chairman. Nevertheless, he wants to ask the question of trust tomorrow.

Update from 2.30 p.m .: Thuringia's elected Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow (left) is again available as a candidate for a red-red-green government in a new prime minister election in Thuringia. This was explained by the deputy head of the Thuringian left , Steffen Dittes, on Thursday in Erfurt. He was "expressly legitimized" by his party to report this, he added.

FDP with a radical turn: Political chaos in Thuringia - Kemmerich drops bomb

Update from 2.15 p.m .: Thomas Kemmerich now spoke publicly. The FDP Thuringia Group wants to apply for the dissolution of the state parliament to bring about a new election. This was announced by the new prime minister in Erfurt.

His resignation is inevitable, the dissolution of the parliament is inevitable, Kemmerich continued. The move was well considered. He resigned in order to "take the blemish of AfD support from the office of prime minister ," said Kemmerich after a crisis talk with FDP leader Christian Lindner. “Democrats need democratic majorities. Which obviously cannot be made in this Parliament, ”he said. The AfD "tried with a perfidious trick to damage democracy ". The voters are asked to vote again for the state parliament. One is "in contact" with the CDU .

By the way: Not only Thomas Kemmerich announced his resignation on Thursday. The AfD candidate for the Prime Minister election in Thuringia, Christoph Kindervater, has also drawn political consequences from the electoral scandal.

FDP announces radical change: Political chaos in Thuringia

Update at 1:44 p.m .: The FDP faction announced on Thursday afternoon that it wanted to dissolve the state parliament in Thuringia. A public statement from FDP leader Christian Lindner is also expected.

+++ CL press release on the current situation in #Thueringen at 3 p.m. TL +++

Update at 12:59 p.m .: The FDP wants to hold a special meeting of the party executive on Friday. In addition, around Thursday afternoon, following the conversation between Christian Lindner and Thomas Kemmerich, a telephone switch is planned, reports Bild.de and appeals to party circles. In the final analysis, Kemmerich's party exclusion was apparently also being considered, and if Lindner could not achieve anything in Erfurt, a member of the FDP leadership is said to have told the picture . There is also considerable resentment that party leader Lindner had not even briefed the closest FDP leadership in advance in the Erfurt plans.

Thuringian election scandal: Bavaria's FDP leader Hagen calls for new election

Meanwhile, the Bavarian FDP parliamentary group leader Martin Hagen joined the politicians who are calling for new elections in Thuringia . That might come as a surprise to some, because immediately after the election the day before, Hagen posted a post with jubilant poses on Instagram. He then published a statement on Facebook in which he stepped back and explained that Kemmerich's choice was “ neither a reason for euphoria nor for reflexive indignation ”. Then on Thursday the 180-degree rotation: "We as the Bavarian FDP parliamentary group are convinced that Thomas Kemmerich should not have accepted yesterday's election under these circumstances, " claimed the FDP chairman. And further: "We expect a new start in Thuringia in the sense of new elections." He said this in the name and on behalf of his group and also out of personal conviction, emphasized Hagen.

Update at 12.18 p.m .: CSU boss Markus Söder has now also commented on the scandal in the Thuringian Prime Minister election. He warned of " immoral governance " and quoted one of Christian Lindner's best known statements. "There is only one thing to say to the FDP: The exit from Jamaica was based on the sentence: better not govern than bad govern," he said in Munich on Thursday. “And of course that applies to Thuringia as well. Better not to govern than to rule immorally . "

Thuringian election scandal: Kemmerich cancels first dates

Meanwhile, Thomas Kemmerich has canceled one of his first appointments as Prime Minister of Thuringia . He will not attend the annual reception of the optics group Carl Zeiss in Jena on Thursday evening. The official reason were other dates , said a company spokesman on Thursday. The federal government had also previously canceled a conference on the German sustainability strategy in Erfurt. At that date, Kemmerich had also wanted to appear as the new head of government. The Federal Press Office justified the rejection with the fact that the issue was "too much overlaid with daily political issues ".

Update at 11.46 a.m .: Left, SPD and Greens are exploring the possibility of a vote of no confidence against the controversial FDP Prime Minister Thomas Kemmerich in Thuringia. The topic should come up in committee meetings, it said from the ranks of the Left Group and the SPD. Green Group leader Dirk Adams also signaled that this possibility was under discussion. The “Today Journal” of ZDF and the ARD “Tagesthemen” yesterday also revolved around the election scandal in Thuringia. Thuringia's Prime Minister Kemmerich received considerable headwind. ARD commentator Kristin Marie Schwietzer also criticized CDU boss Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer sharply.

After explosive disclosure about Lindner - suddenly he apparently is planning a U-turn in Thuringia

Update at 11:24: Apparently there was another change of direction at the top of the FDP. According to information from the daily mirror , FDP boss Christian Lindner now wants to persuade Thomas Kemmerich to retreat . In the morning, the party chairman wants to discuss further steps with the Thuringian State FDP in Erfurt. In contrast to Lindner's plans in the ARD morning magazine, Kemmerich, however, confirmed that he was elected and that a new election would only strengthen the margins. He also made it clear that he had discussed the situation with the FDP chief in advance.

"I was in constant contact with Christian Lindner. We also discussed what we decided to do here in Thuringia, ”said Kemmerich. "He said the decision was ultimately made by the Thuringian Association." The magazine Business Insider had previously reported that Lindner gave the green light for Kemmerich's candidature two days before the election . The possibility of the AfD voting for him was also discussed.

The FDP has already denied the report on Twitter. At no time did Lindner "internally or publicly approve of any kind of cooperation with the AfD".

Regarding today's reporting by @BIDeutschland (Business Insider), we note: At no time did the FDP party chairman, @c_lindner, internally or publicly approve of any kind of cooperation with the AfD. #Thuringia

Thuringian election scandal: Chancellor Merkel expresses drastic words

Update at 10.49 a.m .: Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU ) criticized the election of the FDP politician Thomas Kemmerich as the Thuringian prime minister with AfD votes as "unforgivable" . The result of this process must be reversed, Merkel said on a visit to South Africa on Thursday and was indirectly behind demands for new elections.

Update at 10:23: As it became known on Thursday morning, FDP leader Christian Lindner gave the green light for a Kemmerich election even with AfD votes two days before the election in Thuringia . The digital business magazine Business Insider first reported on this. Apparently Kemmerich had already telephoned Lindner on Monday evening after a meeting with the state executive. He is also said to have informed the party chairman that he would be running in the third ballot should AfD candidate Christoph Kindervater (independent) and ex-Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow (left) continue to stand for election. The aim is to make an alternative offer to the middle class camp.

Thuringian election scandal: Lindner probably gave the green light in advance for an election with AfD votes

According to Business Insider, the call also spoke about the fact that Kemmerich might really be elected - but with AfD votes. Consistent statements from the FDP's close management circle gave Lindner the green light for this.

Update at 9.49 a.m .: Several FDP deputies have meanwhile asked the new Thuringian Prime Minister Thomas Kemmerich to resign . Above all, FDP Vice Wolfgang Kubicki spoke in favor of new elections the day after his party friend's election. There is obviously no majority in the state parliament in Erfurt beyond the AfD. "This will make new elections inevitable, " he says. According to him, the best way to get new elections is to dissolve the parliament. "I expect a corresponding application from the SPD, the Greens or the Left in the Thuringian state parliament. He won't fail at the FDP, ”he said.

Thuringian election scandal: Kubicki and other FDP MPs call for Kemmerich's resignation

With that, however, Kubicki changed his mind significantly overnight. On Wednesday , he had spoken of a "great success" for Kemmerich and promoted an alliance of all democratic forces beyond the AfD. The FDP member of the Bundestag Christian Jung said that only with Kemmerich's resignation would a fresh start with attitude and dignity in Thuringia be possible. The FDP deputy Thomas Sattelberger said on Twitter: “Even a party exclusion process is conceivable for me. I'm ashamed of my FDP, ”he said.

I made a clear statement yesterday, before @c_lindner. It is unspeakable to let crooks and cronies choose you. @KemmerichThL has to resign. Even a party exclusion process is conceivable for me. Ashamed of my FDP https://t.co/sBDy39Jp6t

On Wednesday evening, Thomas Kemmerich also had to answer the pressing questions from TV journalist Marietta Slomka.

Update at 9.05 a.m .: In the German press , yesterday's election is described as disgraceful in many places. For example, the Nürnberger Nachrichten comments that it is a “ shame for the liberals ” that an FDP man can be hoisted into office by the Höcke-AfD. The South German also writes of shame. In the international press , the election scandal of Thuringia also led to a huge media coverage . The London Financial Times wrote : "Germany's post-war political consensus on the ostracism of far-right parties was torn apart on Wednesday after Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats joined forces with the nationalist alternative for Germany in order to appoint a little-known local politician as prime minister of the eastern state of Thuringia." With the election of Thomas Kemmerich , the AfD had become a “kingmaker in German politics” for the first time. The Financial Times also suspects that Kemmerich's administration relies on the support of the AfD in the Thuringian parliament to survive.

Thuringian election scandal: International newspapers write about breaking a taboo

The Züricher Tages-Anzeiger and the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia described the controversial election of the FDP politician Kemmerich as breaking the taboo . "For the first time in Germany there is a state government at the mercy of the AfD, " writes the Tages-Anzeiger. He also describes yesterday's vote as the "sensational election of Erfurt", which is already a " catastrophe for the credibility of the FDP and CDU - not only in the East, but across the country". The Belgian newspaper De Standaard was also critical of the election in Thuringia. "The AfD continues to turn German politics upside down, " it says there. The good performance of the AfD in Thuringia would also be angry because the AfD is led there by Björn Höcke, the "most radical of the party's top people".

Update from 8:53 am: Despite vehement demands from federal politics, Thuringia's Prime Minister Thomas Kemmerich (FDP) further rejected a new election on Thursday. "New elections in this situation would only lead to a strengthening of the margins - Democrats cannot want that," said Kemmerich in the ARD "Morgenmagazin". He called on all "democratic parties" in the Erfurt state parliament to calm the "flogged situation". With his election as head of government, he "took on a very big task," he added. However, he perceived the split that triggered his choice in society and therefore "slept restlessly".

Kemmerich also emphasized again that he did not want to rely on the AfD in the exercise of his office. "We will have no government policy on the AfD." There would be "no cooperation" with this party. The AfD had "played their games," he said with a view to Wednesday's election.

Thuringian election scandal: Thuringian SPD calls for new elections

Update from 8.41 a.m .: After the election of the FDP politician Thomas Kemmerich with votes of the AfD to the Thuringian Prime Minister, the Thuringian SPD has positioned itself clearly: "From the perspective of the SPD, there must now be new elections to clarify the situation, since this MP election against the majority of the population did so and was only possible with the votes of the Höcke-AfD, ”said the regional association on Wednesday evening.

At the same time, the Thuringian party leaders urged the SPD federal association to resign the grand coalition, "if there is no unequivocal clarification of the relationship between the federal CDU and the AfD, and the CDU Thuringia will have consequences."

Prime Minister election in Thuringia: FDP leader Lindner travels to Thuringia

Update from 8.28 a.m .: FDP leader Christian Lindner will travel to Erfurt on Thursday as the first top representative of a federal party. He wanted to talk to the Thuringian FDP , Lindner told the German Press Agency after the surprising election of the FDP politician Thomas Kemmerich as Prime Minister on Wednesday.

RTL had previously reported on the travel plans. The election of Kemmerich with the votes of liberals, CDU and AfD triggered a political quake. The Federal FDP has also come under pressure, the course of the Liberals in Thuringia is also controversial internally.

Thomas Kemmerich (FDP) is the new Prime Minister of Thuringia.

© dpa / Martin Schutt

After the election scandal in Thuringia: demonstrations also in Hamburg and Leipzig

Update from 8.17 a.m .: After the election of Thomas Kemmerich as the new Prime Minister of Thuringia, there were protests not only in Berlin and Thuringia. Around 1,500 people took part in a rally in Hamburg in the evening. There were just as many in Leipzig. Several hundred people came together in Frankfurt am Main, Wiesbaden and Kassel.

After the election scandal in Thuringia: people take to the streets and demonstrate

Update of February 6, 6:35 a.m .: People in Germany have rarely taken to the streets to demonstrate against the election of a prime minister . This is exactly what happened after Thomas Kemmerich was elected Prime Minister of Thuringia in the evening. In Berlin, for example, more than a thousand demonstrators demonstrated against the 54-year-old's election. The displeasure was felt especially in front of the FDP party headquarters .

Demonstrators also took to the streets in other cities such as Cologne, Erfurt and Weimar. The posters read: "Shame on you", "Stop the arsonists" and "Not my MP".

After the election of the prime minister in Thuringia: protests are ongoing

Update, February 5, 10:40 p.m .: While the CDU and SPD have now agreed on a top GroKo meeting on Saturday, the protests are continuing all over Germany. Jürgen Trittin (Bündnis90 / Die Grünen) demonstrated with numerous participants in Bayreuth, Bavaria. In Hamburg , around 1,500 demonstrators moved from the faction office of the Hamburg AfD to the office of the state association of the FDP. Numerous demonstrators also came to a vigil in Hanover in Lower Saxony. Around 300 citizens also gathered in Munich to protest. Many people in Berlin , Leipzig , Frankfurt am Main and Cologne also expressed their displeasure with the choice.

Election in Thuringia: FDP overthrows Ramelow with AfD votes - GroKo top meeting planned

9:20 p.m .: Following the electoral scandal surrounding Thomas Kemmerich , the leaders of the CDU and SPD now want to discuss the consequences of the prime minister election in a coalition committee. This top meeting of the GroKo is to take place on Saturday in Berlin.

"On our initiative, we agreed on a coalition committee on Saturday," said SPD leader Norbert Walter-Borjans .

Election bang in Thuringia: FDP overthrows Ramelow with AfD votes - Ziemiak calls Höcke on the ARD "Nazi"

8:37 pm: Because of the Thuringian election, there was a focal point at ARD. Paul Ziemiak , Secretary General of the CDU was interviewed. Among other things, he called Björn Höcke a "Nazi" on TV.

"We [the CDU leadership] have repeatedly emphasized that there must be no cooperation of any kind with the AfD. A prime minister was elected today - also with the votes of Nazis such as Mr. Höcke and others from the AfD. That is why it cannot be the basis for a stable government, ”said Ziemiak when asked.

There were protests after the election of Kemmerich in several German cities. Many people have also gathered in front of the FDP headquarters in Munich, as reported by tz.de.

7.20 p.m .: The CDU Presidium unanimously voted for new elections in Thuringia . The party leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said on Wednesday evening in Strasbourg. In advance, she had accused her party colleagues in Thuringia of violating the party’s decisions in the election of the new prime minister .

"The CDU Presidium unanimously followed my line: no CDU ministers in a ' Kemmerich cabinet ', no cooperation with the AfD . The best thing is for voters in Thuringia to have the choice again, ”she wrote on Twitter.

The Presidium of @cdu unanimously followed my line: no CDU ministers in a "Kemmerich cabinet", no cooperation with the AfD.
The best thing is that voters in Thuringia should have the choice again.

Election bang in Thuringia: FDP overthrows Ramelow with AfD votes - demonstrations before the state parliament

6:05 pm: Due to the election of the FDP politician Thomas Kemmerich as the new Thuringian prime minister , there were spontaneous demonstrations before the state parliament in Erfurt . The demonstrators included red-red-green members of parliament and parliamentary group members . With whistles and posters, they drew attention to the concern that the extreme right could continue to grow in Thuringia. Some of the posters also referred to the history of Thuringia . "1930 first minister of the NSDAP, 2020 first prime minister with votes of the AfD", was one inscription.

Election bang in Thuringia: FDP overthrows Ramelow with AfD votes - Söder and AKK for new elections

5.20 p.m .: The leadership of the federal CDU has also sharply criticized the approval of the Thuringian state association for the election of the new Prime Minister Thomas Kemmerich (FDP) * and brought new elections into play. CDU chief Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer accused her party colleagues in Thuringia for violating the party's decision in the election of the new prime minister. "The voting behavior in the third round of the election was against the will of the Federal Party, I think that is wrong," she said on a visit to Strasbourg on Wednesday, placing her in the ranks of the numerous critics.

They see "no stable basis for the now elected prime minister", and now it has to be discussed whether there are new elections. "This is not a good day for Thuringia and not a good day for the political system in Germany," said the CDU leader.

5:00 pm: CSU chief Markus Söder has described the coming of the prime ministerial election in Thuringia as "unacceptable" - and, like CDU general secretary Paul Ziemiak, has called for new elections . "The best and most honest would be clear new elections," Söder told journalists in Munich on Wednesday. Anyone who thinks that the AfD can vote for them is crazy. "This whole day is only of the AFD," said Söder. This can not and must not be the common endeavor.

Thuringia: Kemmerich (FDP) new Prime Minister - no majority in sight, CDU is already calling for new elections

16.48: CDU General Secretary Paul Ziemiak has criticized the approval of the Thuringian state association for the election of the new Prime Minister Thomas Kemmerich (FDP) and called for new elections. Kemmerich's election with AfD votes "divides our country," said Ziemiak in Berlin on Wednesday. "It is all the worse that members of the CDU in Thuringia have obviously accepted that by voting, a new prime minister could also be elected with the votes of Nazis like Mr. Höcke," he said. New elections would now be "the best".

4.40 p.m .: The new Thuringian Prime Minister Thomas Kemmerich (FDP) would like to work with the SPD, Greens and CDU - but just a few hours after his free program, the SPD and Greens clearly rejected all offers. "Socialists and Democrats do not support a political project that only came about through the grace of the AfD," said the SPD parliamentary group leader in the Erfurt state parliament, Matthias Hey.

The AfD, CDU and FDP are solely responsible for the outcome of the third ballot. They had elected a prime minister whose party just cleared the five percent hurdle in the state election in late October. "Thomas Kemmerich is personally responsible for the formation of an intact government - the SPD will not support him," Hey clarified.

The Thuringian Greens also spoke of a "political taboo breach". "Thomas Kemmerich came into office with the help of the AfD - that is a pact with fascists and a mistake of historical proportions," explained the two state presidents Ann-Sophie Bohm-Eisenbrandt and Bernhard Stengele. They asked Kemmerich to resign immediately. Under the hashtag #nichtmeinmp, the Greens called for demonstrations for Wednesday in Erfurt, Jena, Weimar and Gera, among others.

4.10 p.m .: FDP leader Christian Lindner defended Thomas Kemmerich. The new Thuringian prime minister associated with his candidacy the sign that the middle is also represented in the state parliament - the approval of the AfD was not to be expected, said Lindner in a statement: "Who supports our party in a secret election is not right in our power. ”But there would be no cooperation with the AfD - he could not tolerate one. If the CDU, SPD and Greens "refuse to work together", then new elections are to be approved soon.

Thuringia bang: Kemmerich promises "firewalls" - "We will not pursue politics with the AfD"

15:50: In a press statement, Thuringia's Prime Minister Thomas Kemmerich (FDP) now declares that he wants to offer CDU, SPD and Green talks for cooperation in a joint cabinet. On the other hand, there will be no cabinet with the AfD and no “AfD politics”. "We will not pursue politics with the AfD in any conceivable form," he said.

Kemmerich also emphasized that there were " firewalls at both political extremes". He did not want to compare the Left and the AfD, but there were also points in the Left program that were incompatible with the social market economy, for example.

How Kemmerich now wants to govern is unclear. The previous SPD ministers do not seem to think about cooperation. According to the SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Hey, they are already clearing their offices. "We will not accept any cabinet offers from Mr. Kemmerich," said Hey. He ruled out that the Thuringian Social Democrats would work with a prime minister who was elected with AfD votes. The Greens have already issued a refusal.

In any case, the FDP, CDU, SPD and Greens would not have a common parliamentary majority. For legislative decisions, Kemmerich requires either the approval of the Left or the AfD. Kemmerich indicated that it would be conceivable to appoint independent experts to the cabinet.

Thuringia: Kemmerich takes over as Prime Minister from Ramelow - scandal at the inaugural speech

15:35: Thuringia's new Prime Minister Thomas Kemmerich (FDP) was greeted with derisive laughter at his inaugural speech. "It's about Thuringia," he opened his speech in the state parliament - and garnered interjections and laughter from the Left Group, among others. "Hypocrites" and "charlatans", it was said among other things from the plenary. State President Birgit Keller (left) made a complaint.

Thomas Kemmerich at his inaugural speech in the Thuringian state parliament.

© AFP / JENS SCHLUETER

Kemmerich continued with visibly trembling hands. He emphasized that he wanted to "give the parliament a liberal vote again". "The firewalls against the extremes will remain," said Kemmerich with renewed interjections. The FDP country chief was elected with the votes of the AfD.

He was ready for talks with the CDU, the SPD and Greens said the new prime minister - these three parties together with the FDP, however, no parliamentary majority. After his short speech, Kemmerich asked for the meeting to be adjourned. He brought this application through parliament - with the votes of the FDP, CDU and AfD .

You can read about Kemmerich's chances of constructive government work at Merkur.de *.

Thuringia: Kemmerich (FDP) crashes with the AfD Ramelow: Even liberals outraged

14:54: Even the FDP is apparently still at odds over the assessment of the turbulent Thuringian Prime Minister election . The member of the Bundestag Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann sharply criticized the Liberal Thomas Kemmerich, who was elected with the votes of the AfD. "I personally appreciate Thomas Kemmerich. I understand his desire to become prime minister, ”she tweeted. “But to be chosen by someone like Höcke is unacceptable and unbearable among Democrats. So it's a bad day for me as a liberal. ”

FDP Vice Wolfgang Kubicki had previously exulted in a conversation with the dpa. “It is a great success for Thomas Kemmerich. A candidate from the democratic center won, ”he said.

The Green Bundespitze meanwhile demands Kemmerich's immediate withdrawal. "We expect Thomas Kemmerich to resign immediately," said the joint statement by party leaders Annalena Baerbock and Robert Habeck, as well as fraction leaders Katrin Göring-Eckardt and Anton Hofreiter. "Thomas Kemmerich came into office with the help of an AfD led by a fascist in Thuringia," said Björn Höcke, head of the AfD in Thuringia . "It's a pact with right-wing extremists."

"I expect Thomas #Kemmerich to resign. If he does not do this, #CDU and #FDP must exclude the Thuringian state associations at the federal level, ”tweeted Baerbock.

2/2 I expect Thomas #Kemmerich to resign. If he does not do this, #CDU and #FDP must exclude the Thuringian state associations at the federal level. Otherwise, incompatibility decisions are no longer worth anything.

Dramatic election day in Thuringia: Left boss throws Kemmerich bouquet of flowers at her feet

14:38: Will the new Thuringian Prime Minister Thomas Kemmerich (FDP) find majorities for projects - without the participation of the AfD? In any case, unlike before Election Day, the left seems no longer ready to cooperate with the Liberals.

When asked how the left would work with this government, the left-wing state chairwoman Susanne Hennig-Wellsow said: "There will be no such thing." Nevertheless, her party would continue to work, although it was not yet clear how. "We as the Left Party will not give up because we will not leave the country to the right."

Hennig-Wellsow even threw a bouquet of flowers at Kemmerich's feet as a sign of protest. What had happened in the state parliament was "planned in advance", she said in the Erfurt state parliament. With a trick and gamble, the FDP is now the head of government. Now "a five percent person" is prime minister, who had been elected into office with the votes of an extremely right-wing party. She was ashamed of Kemmerich.

So attitude goes! @SusanneHennig throws the bouquet at the feet of #Kemmerich, which was just chosen with the votes of the fascists. Thank you! #thueringen #MPWahl #fckafd pic.twitter.com/Q6BsQUEo4C

Violent reactions to Thuringian election: "Pact with fascists of the Höcke-AfD"

2:37 pm: The left wing has reacted to the events in Thuringia with bewilderment . "The FDP and CDU thus become the stirrup holder of the far-right AfD." What will now follow is unclear, said party leader Bernd Riexinger . "The elected candidate has no coalition, no government program or government. The signs point to a new election." Riexinger spoke of a "bitter day for democracy". The left-wing member of parliament Katharina König-Preuss tweeted that the FDP and CDU had "made a pact with fascists of the Höcke-AfD".

The federal SPD was also horrified. "The fact that the liberals give the straw man for the grip of right-wing extremists to power is a scandal of the highest quality," wrote SPD chairman Norbert Walter-Borjans on Twitter on Wednesday. "Nobody can sneak away from the Berlin party headquarters." General Secretary Lars Klingbeil spoke of a "low point in German post-war history".

AfD parliamentary group leader Alexander Gauland saw himself confirmed. "Excluding the AfD does not work," he said. "The bourgeois forces have prevailed," he added. Shortly after the state parliament election, Gauland had propagated a "bourgeois" government from the CDU, FDP and AfD. The choice of words caused outrage at the time.

Election bang in Thuringia: Kühnert sees "masks fall"

13:57: Juso boss Kevin Kühnert has accused the CDU and FDP of having broken a taboo in the surprising election of the prime minister in Thuringia. The AfD "have helped to get real power" will forever be associated with these parties, wrote the SPD vice on Wednesday on Twitter. "The masks have fallen." Now vigilance is the order of the day.

13:52: With Thomas Kemmerich, a previously largely unknown politician unexpectedly steps onto the big stage. You can find out more about the new Thuringian Prime Minister in a portrait at Merkur.de *.

1:50 p.m .: Stunned rows in the SPD. Interior Minister Georg Maier, who is still in office, accuses the FDP of "disregarding the will of voters". Bodo Ramelow had won a clear majority in the state parliament election.

Ramelow voted out with AfD votes: Mohring reacts curiously - "I didn't run as a candidate ..."

13:39: CDU chief Mike Mohring says his party has behaved as announced. "We are not responsible for the voting behavior of other parties," he emphasizes - to a certain extent in response to the unspoken allegation that the CDU and FDP accepted the election of a prime minister with AfD votes . The country was now to be united.

Mohring emphasized that it was “logical” to vote for a “ middle candidate” in the face of two candidates from the Left and the AfD. If Kemmerich invites to coalition talks, the CDU is open - but one is not available for an alliance with the participation of the AfD. When asked whether a cooperation between Prime Minister Kemmerich and the AfD on individual questions would be justifiable, Mohring responded curiously: "I did not come in so that you could ask these questions to the person who was elected," he replies.

13:36: AfD parliamentary group leader Björn Höcke expresses satisfaction at the microphone of the TV station n-tv . The AfD's goal was to "send Bodo Ramelow into well-deserved political retirement," he explains. "That is why we made this choice today as we did it."

Unexpected turnaround in Thuringia: Weakest parliamentary group provides prime minister - AfD decides choice

13:32: The result will undoubtedly cause heated debates. Thomas Kemmerich is the first German prime minister to be elected by the AfD in office and dignity - and also by the regional association of party right wing Björn Höcke .

Another explosive detail: the father of the country is now the previous leader of the weakest parliamentary party. The FDP had had to fear for days in October to enter the state parliament. The party received 5.0 percent of the vote.

1.30 p.m .: Kemmerich has taken the oath of office and now accepts congratulations - from CDU boss Mike Mohring, but also from Björn Höcke (AfD). However, Kemmerich looks stunned rather than happy.

Prime Minister election Thuringia

© dpa / Michael Reichel

1:29 p.m .: The result subsequently submitted: Ramelow received 44 votes, Kemmerich 45.

Gigantic election bang in Thuringia: FDP overthrows Ramelow with AfD votes - horror in the state parliament

1:28 p.m .: There was a big bang: FDP candidate Thomas Kemmerich was elected Prime Minister with the votes of the AfD . Kemmerich accepts the choice. The AfD is cheering - Kemmerich is initially motionless to take note of the result. Bodo Ramelow shakes her head in amazement.

1:26 pm: The count is drawn. Apparently the committee is now taking it very carefully.

1:20 pm: The ballot box is over, the votes are counted.

1:15 pm: The fact that for some liberals Kemmerich's candidacy is not a formality, but an FDP prime minister with the support of the AfD is a desirable scenario, the FDP member of the Bundestag Hagen Reinhold seems to make clear on Twitter. “Really exciting what's happening in Thuringia. I keep my fingers crossed for Thomas Kemmerich! “, He posts.

Really exciting what is happening in # Thuringia. I keep my fingers crossed for @KemmerichThL!

The mood at Ramelows Linke is completely different. The Thuringian party leader Susanne Hennig-Wellsow was horrified by the starting position for the third ballot . This was "catastrophic," she said on Wednesday in the state parliament in Erfurt. The fact that Ramelow, FDP parliamentary group leader Thomas Kemmerich and the non-affiliated Christoph Kindervater nominated by the AfD could result in a big “ruse” by the AfD parliamentary group. This can now vote in unison for the FDP candidate.

Thuringia: Decisive ballot is in progress - AfD is now tipping the scales

1:07 p.m .: Now it starts. The deputies walk to the voting booths in alphabetical order. The representatives of the AfD are now tip over the scales. If they vote for Kemmerich, then Bodo Ramelow is voted out of office - and the AfD would, as it were, have given its first prime minister office and dignity.

13:05: The final vote in Thuringia is not yet running - because of the new candidate in the third ballot , the ballot papers had to be reprinted.

12.52 p.m .: How will the new constellation affect the final round in the Thuringian Prime Minister election? It seems most likely that the CDU and FDP will vote for the new candidate Thomas Kemmerich and AfD and Red-Red-Green will continue to vote for their own candidates. In this case, Bodo Ramelow would hold the relative majority of the votes and would be confirmed as Prime Minister. Legal disputes over the result would also be excluded.

However, there is an unpredictability: If the AfD has decided to no longer support the impartial Christoph Kindervater and to vote for Kemmerich, then it would be possible for the FDP leader with the help of right-wing populists Ramelow to outperform. That would be an unexpected turning point - but it would also presuppose that the CDU and FDP actually support Kemmerich in unison. This currently works as a rather theoretical scenario. There is certainty in a few minutes.

Explosive finale in Thuringia: FDP dares new move

12.42 p.m .: The Thuringian Landtag takes action again. And the FDP makes its announcement true: it sends Thomas Kemmerich against Bodo Ramelow into the race. The AfD leaves its candidate Christoph Kindervater in the race.

Common cause? Thomas Kemmerich (left) in conversation with Thuringia's CDU chief Mike Mohring.

© dpa / Martin Schutt

12:38: Regardless of how the third ballot will end: the Thuringian state government will initially have to work in an unusual constellation - a minority government is still extremely unusual in Germany. In this overview text at Merkur.de * you can find out why there is a particularly special case in Thuringia and which work mode Bodo Ramelow was considering.

12.22 p.m .: The Thuringian state parliament is again pausing between the ballots, a 30-minute session break is in progress. It is possible that important decisions will be made during the break - the FDP had considered sending its country chief Thomas Kemmerich into the race in a third ballot. If this happens, the arithmetic should again swirl violently. AfD and CDU would then be faced with the question of whether they want to help Kemmerich to the Prime Minister's office. Theoretically, they would have the necessary majority in association with the Liberals.

At the same time, the number of abstentions is likely to decrease further in this case. That could also be relevant: Before the election day , it was controversial whether it was enough in this last round for the election to collect most of the candidates' votes, or whether a majority with abstentions or no votes ended the vote unsuccessfully.

Second ballot in the Thuringian Prime Minister election: Ramelow and child father fail again

12.12 p.m .: The result of the second ballot : Bodo Ramelow fails again. However, the situation has shifted slightly in his favor. 44 MPs voted for him, one more than in the first round. His counterpart Christoph Kindervater , supported by the AfD, loses three votes and now apparently only has the 22 AfD representatives behind him. The number of abstentions increased from 22 to 24.

12:08 p.m .: The MPs cast their votes. Now it is counted.

Guesswork about the election of prime minister in Thuringia: CDU surprised by the result

12.02: Members of the CDU parliamentary group were surprised during the session break that AfD candidate Christoph Kindervater got more than the 22 votes of the AfD . "We are 21 members of the parliamentary group and have abstained - I am assuming that," said CDU MP Mario Voigt, who is also Vice-Chairman of the Thuringian CDU.

11:58 a.m .: Now the Thuringian state parliament continues with the second ballot. The procedure is the same as in the first round less than an hour ago. Accordingly, a result could be available in around 15 minutes.

Excitement over Prime Minister election in Thuringia: More CDU and FDP votes for AfD candidate than for Ramelow?

11.50 a.m .: As expected, the result of the first round of the Thuringian Prime Minister election causes some excitement in social networks. The focus is less that Ramelow did not get the required majority - as expected after the distribution of seats. Rather, the fact that from among the CDU and FDP factions not represented with their own candidates, apparently more MPs voted for the AfD candidate than for Ramelow. Ramelow probably received an additional vote from the Union and the Liberals, Christoph Kindervater three .

"From the democratic parties three votes for an AfD candidate for the prime ministerial post. Shame on you, ”tweeted the former left vice-chief Halina Wawzyniak . Other users became clearer: "At least three non-AfD MPs have no conscience and followed the AfD election proposal in the first ballot (...)," said the post of an SPD employee.

From the democratic parties three votes for an AfD candidate for the prime ministerial post. Shame on you. #Thuringia

11:28: The factions are now given a break to consult - and possibly also to find "deviants" in their ranks. The AfD has requested a 30-minute session break.

Prime Minister election in Thuringia: Ramelow fails - mystery over bonus votes for leftists and AfD opponents

11:22: The result of the first ballot is available: Bodo Ramelow has missed the success for the time being - very close. Ramelow received 43 votes, 46 would have been needed. However, its red-red-green government actually has only 42 MPs. A member of another parliamentary group must therefore have voted for Ramelow.

However, the other components of the result are also quite complex: 25 deputies voted for the non-party candidate Christoph Kindervater nominated by the AfD - although the party only has 22 mandates. There were also 22 abstentions. All 90 members of the state parliament have thus given valid ballots.

Prime Minister election in Thuringia

© dpa / Martin Schutt

11.07 a.m .: President Birgit Keller (left) explains the procedure again: 46 out of a total of 90 votes of the deputies are necessary in the first two rounds of elections. In the third, a simple majority of the votes cast is sufficient - abstentions are possible. There will be no debate before the election. It starts with the secret vote. The MPs are called individually to voting booths in the Plensarsaal and then to the polls.

11.02 a.m .: The meeting begins - Bodo Ramelow is at the center of interest. A cluster of photographers, cameramen and fellow left-wing colleagues who have best wishes has formed around the still-serving Prime Minister. It will be seen in the following hours whether Ramelow will receive another term in office. However, it could take around two hours until a result is known. In any case, Ramelow seems to be doing the best - he even sends kissing hands to the plenary.

Bodo Ramelow before the decisive session in the Thuringian state parliament

© AFP / JENS SCHLUETER

10.55 a.m .: The decisive meeting in the Thuringian state parliament begins in a few minutes - the new prime minister is elected in the building in the south of the state capital Erfurt. The date could well be turbulent. You can find out which scenarios are conceivable at Merkur.de *.

Thuringia: SPD appalled by FDP ministerial offer - "presumptuousness"

10:34 am: Shortly before the Prime Minister election in Thuringia, the SPD state chairman Wolfgang Tiefensee rejected new advances by the FDP. It was about an offer under which the Social Democratic ministers could keep their office under an FDP prime minister. This was "a political dam break" and "presumptuousness", wrote Tiefensee on Wednesday morning on Twitter. The SPD would not support a prime minister "at the mercy of the AfD" either in parliament or in the government.

Tiefensee thus referred to a statement by the Thuringian FDP chairman Thomas Kemmerich . The latter had told the newspaper Freie Wort that if he was elected head of government, "it would not be necessary to replace all ministers who are still in office, for example those of the SPD."

Thuringia shortly before the Prime Minister election: Ramelow addresses parliamentary groups

9.50 a.m .: Immediately before the Prime Minister election in Thuringia , Bodo Ramelow appealed to the parliamentary factions' ability to compromise. “Democrats are conversational and ready to talk. Today it means more democracy and less party book ! “, Wrote the left candidate, who wants to be re-elected, on Wednesday morning on Twitter. He went with great confidence in the Prime Minister election on Wednesday. "My hand is outstretched to try something new," wrote Ramelow.

Today I go to the Prime Minister election with great confidence. My hand is outstretched to try something new.
Democrats are conversational and ready to talk. Today it means more democracy and less party book!

Thuringia: Ramelow could fall over AfD candidate - Habeck appeals to CDU

Update from February 5, 2020, 9.25 a.m .: Bodo Ramelow (left) wants to be re- elected Prime Minister of Thuringia this Wednesday after his election victory in autumn. But there are uncertainties. In addition to the missing absolute majority of Ramelow's red-red-green coalition , this is above all the non-party candidate Christoph Kindervater . In theory, he could be elected head of government with the votes of the CDU, AfD and FDP - so the CDU and FDP are not afraid to choose a politician appointed by the AfD.

Leading politicians of the Thuringian coalition parties SPD, Greens and Left then warned in advance of such a scenario. "If a candidate is elected with the votes of the AfD, there is no mistake - a fire protection wall is torn down," said Greens boss Robert Habeck of the Berlin Tagesspiegel . "The CDU has made it clear several times that there can be no cooperation with the AfD. Now she has to prove that in Thuringia as well. ”

The Thuringian parliamentary director of the SPD parliamentary group, Carsten Schneider , told the “Tagesspiegel” with a view to the CDU: “If it has actually clarified its relationship with the enemies of democracy, it cannot have a candidate for the office of prime minister with prospect to be successful. ”The CDU should accept the formation of the minority coalition and opt for constructive cooperation.

The chairman of the left-wing parliamentary group in the Bundestag, Dietmar Bartsch, made a similar statement . "I hope that the CDU in Thuringia will assume its national political responsibility," he told the newspapers of the Funke media group. "I expect that in the election she will behave in such a way that Bodo Ramelow becomes prime minister and that she will then be a constructive opposition in the state parliament and that she will work with the new government on issues that advance Thuringia."

Election in Thuringia: Before the prime minister election there is trouble - also in the CDU

Update at 2.35 p.m .: How to deal properly with the red-red-green minority government ? Before the prime minister election in Thuringia , CDU politicians outside the state also argue about this. Schleswig-Holstein's Prime Minister Daniel Günther (CDU) suggested tolerating the Thuringian party colleagues in view of the difficult majority situation: "The answer cannot be that we go stubbornly into the opposition," he told the newspapers of the New Berlin Editorial Society on Tuesday. At the same time, Günther warned of a " loss of trust by the people, because they want a stable government".

The Junge Union reacted to Günther's statements with fierce criticism . JU chief Tilman Kuban spoke to the Bild newspaper against any tolerance of the Left Party. "The Union must never become the majority procurer of SED heirs ," warned Kuban. "We all do well not to give the Thuringian CDU any advice in this difficult situation that contradicts our incompatibility decision as the CDU of Germany."

Find out who is one of the candidates for the Prime Minister position in Thuringia on Wednesday in this article at Merkur.de *.

Showdown in Thuringia: Many imponderables for Ramelow - who will be Prime Minister?

Update 1.35 p.m .: The AfD candidate for the post of Prime Minister of Thuringia, Christoph Kindervater , now wants to be personally present at the election in the Erfurt state parliament . He had been able to postpone his business trip in Hesse, the child's father told the German Press Agency on Tuesday night. Several media had previously reported on it. At first, the independent mayor of Sundhausen had stated that he could not be present in the state parliament on Wednesday because of the business trip.

Preview: who will become Thuringian Prime Minister? Turbulent days for Bodo Ramelow

Erfurt / Munich - The election of a prime minister in Germany's state parliaments is usually more of a routine affair: after the state election and the conclusion of the coalition negotiations, the necessary majority for the head of state is usually a matter of form. When Bodo Ramelow runs for re-election in Thuringia on Wednesday, the situation is somewhat different.

Because Ramelow has - like in the previous legislative period - a red-red-green coalition ready. However, it no longer has a majority. This harbors dangers and explosives for the Prime Minister's freestyle. Legal issues have been disputed to the last in Thuringia. And even if you choose, there is a lot of work to do on Ramelow.

Ramelow wants to remain prime minister of Thuringia - four votes are missing

With his targeted alliance in Parliament, Ramelow lacks four votes for a majority . Left, SPD and Greens only get 42 of the 90 seats after the SPD and Greens lost. While Ramelow would need an absolute majority in the first two ballots to be elected Prime Minister, according to the constitution, a relative majority is sufficient in the third ballot. According to a state parliament spokesman, spontaneous candidacies are also possible in this ballot. The withdrawal of an applicant is also conceivable.

Does he get enough votes? Bodo Ramelow in the Thuringian state parliament.

© dpa / Martin Schutt

Opposing candidates for Ramelow: AfD sends non-partisans into the race for the premiership

There will be at least one opposing candidate : The AfD faction of right wing Björn Höcke sends the non-party mayor Christoph Kindervater as a candidate. The child's father had already brought himself into play for this at the weekend by writing to the CDU, FDP and AfD . According to his own statements, he does not belong to any party, but he described himself as a supporter of the Union of Values ​​- a group of very conservative CDU members.

The CDU does not want to send its own candidate into the race in the first two ballots and then coordinate with the FDP. Party leader Mike Mohring has actually already waved. The Thuringian liberals may want to send their party leader Thomas Kemmerich into the race. His faction had been given the mandate by the party council to nominate a candidate in the third ballot if only candidates from the left and the AfD were to be elected, said Kemmerich on Monday evening during a meeting of the Thuringian FDP party council in Erfurt.

Prime Minister Thuringia: It could be exciting in the third ballot

If so, it could be exciting in the last round of voting : In the past, the Thuringian AfD had repeatedly signaled that it would possibly vote for a candidate from the CDU or FDP. AfD, CDU and FDP together have 48 out of 90 seats and together would have a majority in the state parliament. Above all, however, the CDU had previously asserted that it did not want to get any prime minister into office with the help of the AfD .

For Ramelow, however, an opposing candidate could also have advantages: At present it is legally controversial whether an individual candidate in Thuringia can be elected with more no than yes votes. In the case of at least two candidates, however, the constitution is considered clear: the person who receives the most votes is then chosen.

Prime Minister election in Thuringia: Red-Red-Green fixes coalition agreement, CDU country chief appeals to party friends

At least their internal homework was done by the Left, SPD and Greens shortly before the Prime Minister election: more than three months after the state election in Thuringia, they signed their coalition agreement on Tuesday. In addition to Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow, SPD state leader Wolfgang Tiefensee and Greens parliamentary group leader Dirk Adams presented the signed contract.

Schleswig-Holstein's head of government Daniel Günther (CDU) appealed to his party's sense of responsibility. In his view, the CDU should be open to tolerating a minority government with the participation of the left at the state level if necessary. "It has always been part of the core brand of the CDU that, no matter how difficult the situation, we have always assumed responsibility," said Günther of the Neue Berliner Redaktionsgesellschaft. "The answer cannot be that we stubbornly go into the opposition."

You can find out more about Bodo Ramelow and his biography, which is unusual for an East German left-wing politician, at Merkur.de *.

AFP / dpa / fn

* Merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.

List of rubric lists: © dpa / Michael Reichel