An internal strategy paper shows how Die Linke plans to counter the federal government’s planned reforms. Written by party chair Ines Schwerdtner and reported by T‑Online, the paper says a key goal is to “stop and delegitimize Merz and Klingbeil’s slash‑and‑burn agenda”.
The paper argues that the coalition is preparing a reform package that would strike at the core of the social state. “While many people are barely managing month to month, Merz and Klingbeil want to tighten the screws even harder” Schwerdtner writes. In response, the party proposes a “social offensive” that will promote familiar priorities, such as defending the eight‑hour workday.
Four core messages are identified for public dissemination, for example: “Merk and Klingbeil will push the crisis downward because they fail in their own jobs. We will counter that: the powerful must shoulder more”. Another: “Those who want to stabilise the economy protect the people who work, care, and keep businesses running-not just the profits of corporations”.
Die Linke intends to advance its agenda through door‑to‑door conversations, collaboration with unions and social associations, and demonstrations outside businesses and hospitals. It also seeks to build parliamentary pressure.
The federal government plans comprehensive reforms amid a difficult budget and economic situation, aiming to launch them by summer. As Union parliamentary leader Jens Spahn announced, the priorities will be statutory health insurance, tax relief and cuts in wages taxes and social security contributions, and pensions. The SPD rejects benefit cuts.