The Left party intends to support both candidates nominated by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) for election to the Federal Constitutional Court and proposes allowing a free vote on the candidate put forward by the conservative Union faction. Heidi Reichinnek, parliamentary group leader of The Left in the Bundestag, expressed these intentions in an interview with “ARD-Tagestheuen” on Wednesday, stating she had hoped for discussions with the Union prior to the scheduled Thursday vote. She suggested the Union’s refusal to engage in dialogue risks a repeat of previous issues that could compromise the validity of the election.
Following a parliamentary debate on the federal budget, Reichinnek criticized the current budget’s impact, asserting it lacks tangible improvements to people’s lives or affordability. She emphasized the Left party’s commitment to maintaining and expanding the social welfare system, contrasting this with perceived cuts. Reichinnek suggested options such as reactivating a wealth tax and closing loopholes in inheritance tax legislation as potential revenue sources, indicating that such proposals had previously garnered supportive voices within the Union.
The Left politician further advocated for increased investment in education. She questioned the prioritization of defense spending, which justified a suspension of Germany’s debt brake, while simultaneously facing perceived barriers to funding crucial educational initiatives. Reichinnek defined reform as a process that should primarily benefit the majority of the population.