In a recent interview, the leader of the German Green Party, Franziska Brantner, criticized the Left Party, accusing them of having unrealistic goals and of being too similar to the Social Democratic Party (SPD). Brantner stated that the Left Party’s approach is not its own, but rather a copy of the SPD’s, citing issues such as Putin, Gaza and the minimum wage as examples. She emphasized that the Green Party’s goal is to achieve realizable results, as opposed to the Left Party’s focus on ideals.
The Left Party, however, disputes Brantner’s claims, insisting that they have a distinct approach and program. Christian Görke, the parliamentary leader of the Left Party, argued that the party’s DNA is centered around the theme of social justice, including subtopics such as tax and education equity, fighting against rent exploitation and advocating for a nationwide rent cap and a migration policy that benefits Germany.
Regarding the Green Party, Görke stated that they need to find their own role, implying that they have strayed from their original path. Brantner, on the other hand, announced that the Green Party will broaden its focus in the future, with a greater emphasis on social issues in addition to environmental and climate protection. She mentioned that the party will tackle everyday problems that concern citizens across the country, such as good jobs with prospects, well-equipped kindergartens and schools, punctual trains and affordable housing.
The Green Party also plans to address pressing social issues, including the financial sustainability of the pension system, good healthcare in rural areas, a good life in old age and child poverty, without being influenced by other parties. Organizational changes are also on the horizon, with Brantner announcing that the party will introduce new processes for modernization, create new opportunities for mobilization, simplify decision-making and become more campaign-effective. With over 170,000 members, the party aims to better engage its base and increase its impact.