- Anticipates a potential 20% loss for the left in Thuringia, according to Van Aken
Politician Jan van Aken believes The Left will outperform predicted poll numbers in Thuringia's upcoming election. With Bodo Ramelow leading, he told RTL and ntv, "We'll surely hit 20%."
In the prelude to this Sunday's vote, The Left stood at 13-14%. Five years back, Ramelow's party triumphantly secured 31%. Van Aken is eyeing The Left's federal chairmanship position, a role currently in turmoil following the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance's split.
Van Aken didn't dismiss the possibility of collaborating with the BSW, but expressed reservations. "A BSW Chief Minister? They don't have the manpower for that. We'll see come Sunday."
What's crucial, he emphasized, is keeping the far-right AfD at bay from seizing power in Thuringia. "That's why we need to engage with all other democratic parties. It's non-negotiable."
Looking ahead to Saxony and Brandenburg's elections, van Aken set his aim: "To make it into the game."
Last week, van Aken, a foreign policy expert, and publicist Ines Schwerdtner announced their bid for The Left's federal leadership, displacing Janine Wissler and Martin Schirdewan, who are relinquishing their party positions. In the June European elections, The Left only managed to muster 2.7% of the nationwide vote.
The strategic planning for the upcoming election involves discussions about the role of various personnel. Van Aken mentioned the importance of collaborating with other democratic parties, emphasizing the need for a united front against the far-right AfD.
