Thuringia’s Minister-President Mario Voigt has publicly urged a more measured response to the rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), subtly criticizing the media’s role in amplifying the party’s influence. In an interview with “Der Stern”, Voigt characterized the AfD as an “overblown image” suggesting media attention contributes to its perceived significance. He simultaneously challenged his own conservative CDU party to display increased confidence and a more assertive stance.
Voigt, reflecting on his nearly year-long tenure as leader of Thuringia, underscored the stability of his government and lauded the “remarkably reliable” partnership forged with the BSW party. He argues that Thuringia, often viewed with skepticism, has demonstrably proven its governance capabilities, noting a shift in perception from those who previously dismissed the state. The experience gained in Thuringia, he emphasized, lies in navigating compromise and accepting responsibility – lessons the current federal government is now grappling with.
The interview highlighted Voigt’s frustration with internal conflict within the national coalition. Expressing surprise at the ongoing disputes, he stressed the urgency of the present moment, particularly in the context of critical reforms like pension adjustments. While acknowledging the necessity of robust debate, Voigt insisted on the imperative of reaching consensus. “Germany cannot afford a period of inertia” he stated, implicitly criticizing the drawn-out deliberations currently paralyzing federal decision-making. He pointedly suggested that national politicians are belatedly understanding the challenges of governing with narrow majorities – a scenario with which Thuringia is intimately familiar. The call for action resonates with a sense of impatience, implying a broader disconnect between the urgency felt by many citizens and the pace of political action in Berlin.