The leader of Germany’s Left Party (Die Linke), Jan van Aken, has staunchly defended recent blockades of events organized by the Alternative for Germany (AfD), reiterating calls for a renewed legal examination into a potential party ban. In an interview with “Der Stern”, Van Aken asserted that the AfD “is not a normal party” justifying the disruptive protests as “absolutely right and justified.
Van Aken’s remarks have ignited further debate regarding the limits of permissible political action, particularly as he acknowledged a degree of flexibility concerning adherence to established laws. While acknowledging the principle that laws typically protect the vulnerable, he argued that their transgression can be necessary in exceptional circumstances, referencing his own past disclosure of confidential Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiation documents as a precedent. This justification, based on a perceived higher moral imperative, raises questions about the rule of law and potential for escalating political conflicts.
The Left Party leader’s continued advocacy for a potential AfD ban underscores the increasing pressure on the German government to address the far-right party’s growing influence. He insists his party has long advocated for a formal review, expressing hope that a parliamentary majority will emerge to support such a process before, as he characterized it, “it is too late”. The implicit threat underscores the precariousness of the AfD’s position within the political landscape.
Looking toward regional alliances, Van Aken signaled a potential, albeit cautious, openness to cooperation with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in eastern German state legislatures. However, this would be contingent on the CDU providing written assurances that they will not form governing coalitions with the AfD, a condition representing a significant political hurdle given the fluidity of state-level politics. A formal coalition with the CDU, however, remains, according to Van Aken, “beyond my current imagination” despite acknowledging the paramount importance of preventing the AfD from gaining power.
Addressing accusations of populism directly, Van Aken unequivocally embraced the label, claiming to be a “good populist” distinguishing his approach from that of the AfD. He argued that the Left Party challenges the established political elite “without lying and without distorting the facts” suggesting a degree of transparency and authenticity absent in his political opponents. Furthermore, Van Aken voiced strong opposition to extreme wealth concentration, stating definitively, “I don’t think there should be billionaires”. This statement reflects a broader shift in political discourse towards greater economic inequality and calls for redistribution.