In a move that is likely to stir controversy, the Left Faction in the German Bundestag is reportedly set to nominate its faction leader, Heidi Reichinnek, as a representative for the Parliamentary Control Committee (PKGr). According to the German news magazine Spiegel, citing its own sources, the nomination is already a done deal.
Reichinnek’s selection requires the support of a broad coalition, as she will need to secure an absolute majority of votes from the entire Bundestag. This means she must garner support not only from the Green and Social Democratic parties, but also from the Union. The exact date of the PKGr election remains unclear.
Reichinnek’s reputation has been marked by her vocal calls for the overthrow of capitalism and her sharp criticism of Chancellor Merz, which has made her a divisive figure. Christian Görke, the parliamentary business manager of the Left in the Bundestag, has publicly endorsed Reichinnek’s candidacy, urging all democratic factions to support her with a clear majority. Görke expressed hope that the election would not be “stolen” from Reichinnek.