Sahra Wagenknecht, the head of the German left-wing party, the Bundnis 90/Die Grünen (Left), has criticized the party’s media campaign ahead of the upcoming federal election. In an interview with the Berliner Zeitung, Wagenknecht expressed her concerns about the party’s handling of the Ukraine conflict, stating that it is hindering a peaceful resolution and is being targeted by the old parties.
Wagenknecht accused the old parties of knowing that the Left is a strong opposition with a backbone and that it is currently preventing a further escalation of the conflict. She also mentioned that the SPD, the Social Democratic Party, has not yet fully given in to the demands of the arms suppliers and that the Left’s presence in the Bundestag is crucial in preventing a right-wing government.
The politician indicated that if the Left does not succeed in the election, she might step back from politics, stating that without a seat in the Bundestag, the party would not have a voice in German politics.
Despite the challenges, Wagenknecht expressed confidence in the party’s election campaign, saying that it is going well and that many people have high hopes for the Left. She also criticized the other parties, saying that the Left is the only opposition with a backbone and that the AfD, the Alternative for Germany, is being supported by Trump and Musk.
Wagenknecht positioned the Left as being in line with Willy Brandt’s foreign policy and as supporting the concept of social market economy, although she did not elaborate on the details. She also expressed regret over the party’s losses due to the migration debate, but did not condone the party’s departures, stating that the current debate is focused on who can work with whom in the Bundestag, rather than the actual issue of migration.
The party’s strict approach to new members was also defended, with Wagenknecht stating that the German party law makes it difficult to remove unwanted members and that the party has to be careful in order to maintain its integrity.