Brandenburg’s Minister of Infrastructure, Detlef Tabbert, and Minister of Health, Britta Müller, have both announced their departure from the Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) party. This follows the resignation of Finance Minister Robert Crumbach on Monday, and comes after Brandenburg’s Minister President Dietmar Woidke dissolved the governing coalition with the BSW on Tuesday.
Müller and Tabbert Follow Crumbach
Both Tabbert and Müller stated their decision to leave the BSW was made to allow them to continue their work as ministers with “full concentration,” according to a joint statement. They emphasized a desire to make decisions based on the realities of people’s lives, rather than internal party conflicts.
Neither politician intends to join another party in the immediate future. Müller stated in Potsdam, “I exclude party membership at this time,” while Tabbert added he had “no intention of joining any party in a year or two.”
The departures began on Monday when Finance Minister and Deputy Minister President Robert Crumbach announced his resignation from both the BSW and its parliamentary group. Crumbach explained that parts of the party and parliamentary group were unwilling to take on governmental responsibility, prioritizing opposition tactics over constructive work.
In response to Crumbach’s resignation, Minister President Woidke announced the end of the coalition between the SPD and the BSW. He stated the SPD had entered negotiations to secure a democratic majority, and that the basis for cooperation was no longer present.
Benda Calls Departing Ministers “Careerists”
Friederike Benda, the BSW’s state chair for Brandenburg, sharply criticized the departures of Tabbert and Müller, accusing them of using the party to advance their careers.
Benda stated, “Political skin-shedding is not uncommon in young parties. It will make us as BSW stronger.” She further asserted that it was “obvious that people with career intentions joined the party to grab positions. And that they are now handing in their party books to hold onto their positions for as long as possible.” Benda also noted the party was not informed of the decision to leave the BSW.
This report is based on information from rbb24 Inforadio, as of January 8, 2026, at 10:40 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the recent political upheaval in Brandenburg?
The resignation of Finance Minister Robert Crumbach from the BSW, citing a lack of willingness to embrace governmental responsibility within parts of the party, triggered the series of events leading to the coalition’s dissolution.
What is the current status of the ministers who have left the BSW?
Detlef Tabbert and Britta Müller have left the BSW but will continue in their roles as ministers, at least for the time being. They have stated they do not plan to join another party in the near future.
What was the reaction of the BSW to the departures?
Friederike Benda, the BSW’s state chair, criticized the departing ministers, accusing them of prioritizing their careers over party loyalty.
As Brandenburg navigates this period of political realignment, what impact will these recent departures have on the stability of the state government and the implementation of its policy agenda?
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