Following a newly reached agreement between the United States and the European Union regarding transatlantic trade disputes, Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the “Basiswürde” (Bsw) party, has publicly called for the resignation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Wagenknecht stated in an interview with “Rheinische Post” that von der Leyen should step down and that the German government should actively advocate for this within the EU. The agreement, according to Wagenknecht, represents “not a deal, but a disaster” for which von der Leyen is accountable. She urged the German government to reject the agreement and, in conjunction with other nations, demand its termination and a complete renegotiation.
The trade agreement, which introduces a tariff rate of 15 percent on numerous goods imported from the EU into the United States, has drawn considerable criticism due to potential economic repercussions. While certain product categories, including chemicals and aircraft, have been exempted, tariffs on steel and aluminum remain at 50 percent. As part of the agreement, the EU has also committed to investing $600 billion in the United States and purchasing liquefied natural gas, oil and other fuels worth $750 billion – a scale of investment deemed unrealistic and potentially detrimental to climate protection efforts by analysts.