The Green Party’s former co-leader, Ricarda Lang, has publicly acknowledged missteps within the party’s approach to gendered language and migration policy, sparking internal debate and raising questions about the party’s broader political strategy. In an interview with Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, Lang conceded that the party’s dedication to antidiscrimination and diversity had sometimes become overly focused on linguistic considerations, creating a sense of performative inclusivity rather than genuine connection.
“In our well-intentioned efforts towards antidiscrimination and diversity, we sometimes focused too strongly on linguistic codes, on how one supposedly had to speak to belong” Lang stated. She argued that this approach alienated voters rather than attracting them, emphasizing that effective politics relies on persuasion, particularly amongst those holding differing viewpoints, rather than creating artificial divisions.
Lang’s critique extends beyond linguistic strategies to encompass the current coalition government’s stance on migration. Expressing concern, she noted that the Green Party’s support for significant asylum restrictions under the SPD, Greens and FDP coalition has failed to diminish the appeal of the far-right AfD and may in fact have bolstered it. Significantly, Lang admitted that the party had relinquished its traditional role as a shaper of public opinion, retreating from robust debate.
“We withdrew significantly from the discussion” she explained. “I am convinced that it is possible to advocate powerfully for humanity and the protection of people in need, without at the same time concealing the problems of insufficient integration or radicalization”. This statement hints at a growing unease within the Green Party regarding the government’s pragmatic approach to immigration, which some members believe sacrifices core values.
The comments appear in conjunction with the publication of Lang’s new book, “Der große Umbruch” (The Great Transformation), co-authored with sociologist Steffen Mau, suggesting a broader re-evaluation of the party’s trajectory and its relationship with the electorate. The recent disclosures signal a move toward a more assertive and values-driven Green Party platform, acknowledging past miscalculations and positioning the party to reclaim its influence on the national political discourse – a shift that could have considerable implications for the upcoming elections and the broader political landscape.