Berlin (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Germany’s far-left Linke party, facing an existential crisis after poor EU Parliament election results, will replace its leadership duo at an October congress.
Can New Leadership Save Linke From Political Irrelevance?
Germany’s far-left Linke group said that it would replace its leadership duo later this year as it fights to overcome an “existential” crisis following a series of reversals. Janine Wissler and Martin Schirdewan revealed in a statement they would not be running for another term as co-leaders at the Linke’s party congress in October.
“I realise there is a desire in parts of the party for a fresh start in terms of personnel,” stated Wissler.
Why Are Wissler and Schirdewan Stepping Down?
Their determination to step down comes after the Linke, which has its roots in both East German communism and the West German labour movement, fell below three per cent in the June European Parliament elections. The Linke, having barely scraped into the German parliament in the 2021 elections, has long been ripped by internal strife. But it was negotiated a heavy blow when popular lawmaker Sahra Wagenknecht defected last year to form a new left-wing populist party, bringing nine Linke MPs with her.
What Impact Did Sahra Wagenknecht’s Defection Have on Linke?
The Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) exceeded the Linke in the European elections, and surveys indicate the Linke will trail behind the upstart in regional elections in three eastern German states next month.
Recognizing the turmoil, Linke’s executive board adopted a motion ahead of the October congress saying that the party was “undoubtedly in a dangerous condition that poses an existential threat”. The party “needs new perspectives and passion” to drive the “necessary renewal”, Schirdewan stated.
Wissler has co-led the Linke party since 2021 and Schirdewan joined her a year later. Firebrand politician Wagenknecht left the party after butting heads with senior Linke members over her tough perspective on immigration. She also wants Germany to cease supplying weapons to Ukraine.
Analysts express that the BSW, which describes itself as both left-wing and conservative, is targeting not just far-left allies but also trying to lure protest voters away from the far-right Alternative for Germany with its anti-immigration, anti-establishment rhetoric.
