Mario Voigt Elected as New Minister President of Thuringia After State Election

Mario Voigt, the candidate from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has been elected as the new Minister President of Thuringia, receiving 51 out of 88 votes from the state parliament. This election enables the formation of a coalition government known as the 'Brombeerkoalition,' which comprises the CDU, the German Social Union (BSW), and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). In his acceptance speech, Voigt emphasized the importance of collaboration within the parliament as the coalition prepares to initiate its work. The appointments for the ministers in the state government are expected to occur later this week.

The election for the Minister President was approached with caution due to the coalition's lack of an outright majority, holding only 44 of the 88 seats in the Thuringian parliament. Prior to the vote, negotiations between the coalition and the Left party had suggested a potential agreement, wherein the Left would support Voigt's candidacy in exchange for involvement in decision-making processes. However, it appears that no formal written agreement was established as the Left party had requested.

Christian Schaft, the leader of the Left faction, commented on the situation, stating that the coalition had to pursue democratic majorities without the influence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which holds 32 seats in the parliament. Schaft expressed that the votes from the Left were a sign of trust rather than a blank check, indicating that the Left would evaluate the coalition's initiatives and seek majorities as necessary.

Bodo Ramelow, the former Minister President from the Left party, also referenced the negotiations preceding the vote, highlighting the need for a functioning democratic majority that resists any detrimental influences from the AfD. Following the election, Ramelow was quick to extend congratulations to Voigt on his new role.

In the first round of voting, Voigt required an absolute majority to secure his position. The election process is confidential, and it is believed that while the coalition likely voted unanimously for Voigt, seven opposition members may have also supported him. The results indicated 33 votes against and four abstentions. The Left party, which comprises 12 members, had to navigate the delicate balance of supporting Voigt without formalizing any cooperation with the AfD, which did not disclose its voting strategy prior to the election. However, the AfD leader, Björn Höcke, later confirmed that his party voted against Voigt.

In his inaugural speech as Minister President, Voigt expressed gratitude to his predecessor, acknowledging the decade-long leadership of Ramelow. He recognized the challenges ahead and articulated a commitment to inclusivity in governance, inviting all parliamentarians to contribute ideas for the betterment of Thuringia. Voigt underscored the significance of his generation's responsibility not only to look forward but also to recognize the achievements of the people since reunification.

The Brombeerkoalition is prioritizing education and economic policy to ensure security for future generations. Voigt outlined the coalition's goals to establish a modern and reliable healthcare system, manage migration effectively, enhance local employment opportunities, and transform Thuringia into a model of digital innovation. The cabinet is anticipated to be announced on Friday.

In response to Voigt's election, prominent figures within the CDU, including party leader Friedrich Merz and Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder, offered their congratulations, highlighting the significance of forming a government after a prolonged period of political stagnation in Thuringia. Conversely, Höcke criticized Voigt, suggesting he became Minister President through the support of leftist partners rather than representing conservative values.