Robert Crumbach, Brandenburg’s Vice-Minister President and Finance Minister, abruptly announced his resignation from the nationwide party “Die Bewegungs Zukunft Schweiz” (BSW) and its state parliamentary group on Monday, citing irreconcilable ideological differences and a perceived conflict with his ministerial oath. The move sends shockwaves through Brandenburg’s political landscape and raises serious questions about the stability and direction of the fledgling party.
Crumbach’s statement detailed escalating internal tensions that have simmered for months, centered around the party’s core principles, strategic vision and overall identity. He characterized these conflicts as intractable and increasingly detrimental to his ability to effectively perform his duties as both a parliamentarian and a government minister, ultimately impacting the ability of the state government to govern.
The most critical point of contention, according to Crumbach, hinges on a perceived unwillingness or inability within certain factions of the BSW to embrace and fulfil the responsibilities inherent in governing. He explicitly accused elements within the party of engaging in obstructive tactics and publicly distancing themselves from government initiatives – effectively pursuing opposition politics from within the ruling coalition. This behavior, Crumbach asserted, undermines the efficacy of the government and erodes public trust.
Crumbach’s departure is particularly significant given his prior decades-long allegiance to the Social Democratic Party (SPD), underscoring the depth of the ideological rift within BSW. This loss follows a previous exodus last November, when four BSW parliamentarians resigned, voicing concerns about “authoritarian tendencies” and a deviation from core democratic principles within the party. Two of those former members subsequently rejoined, though the underlying issues clearly persist.
His exit now dramatically reshapes the power dynamics within the Brandenburg state parliament. With the backing of two previously unaffiliated (independent) parliamentarians and now Crumbach’s support, a coalition between the SPD and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) would command a parliamentary majority. However, the circumstances surrounding Crumbach’s departure leave open the question of whether this coalition will be formed and, crucially, whether BSW’s internal struggles will further destabilize the state government and potentially invite wider political repercussions beyond Brandenburg. The episode throws into sharp relief the fragility of coalition politics and casts a critical light on the rapid rise and the internal cohesion – or lack thereof – within new political movements.