The Left - Brandenburg's Left Party leader calls for realignment at federal level
Brandenburgan Left Party Chief Sebastian Walter is calling for consequences for the Federal Party following the European and Local Elections and several party departures in Brandenburg. He cannot help but feel the departure of Frankfurt (Oder) Mayor Rene Wilke, who left the party last week, is particularly painful. "Mr. Wilke's departure is as painful as any party departure, even though over 100 people have joined the Left in Brandenburg in the past two weeks," Walter told the German Press Agency. "However, his move once again makes it clear that the Federal Party urgently needs to reposition itself in terms of content, personnel, and organization. I am personally committed to this."
The Federal Left responded disappointed to Wilke's departure and expressed support for the campaign in the Brandenburg state elections. "I regret Mr. Wilke's departure and thank him for his long-term work and full commitment," Bundesgeschäftsführerin Katina Schubert stated. "His decision is a loss for the Left. We are now focusing on the future and will give everything in the state elections campaign to strengthen the Left in the parliament."
Wilke justifies his exit
The Frankfurt Mayor had left the party after 24 years due to frustration. The 40-year-old clarified his reasons for leaving on Monday. The differences lie in the assessment of migration policy, foreign policy questions regarding Russia's attack on Ukraine, the balance between economic and social policy, and between social security and expectations and demands on transfer recipients, Wilke explained in response to a query.
He also mentioned the tone and debate culture, especially with political competitors, without mentioning names. Walter referred to the fact that Wilke had excluded the Linke in Brandenburg from his criticism. "We will continue to work together with him in a friendly manner."
The Left suffered significant losses in Brandenburg in the European and Local Elections. A new Landtag will be elected on September 22. A week ago, it became known that Brandenburgan Left Party member Marlen Block had also left the party out of frustration.
- Despite the recent joining of over 100 individuals to the Left in Brandenburg, the departure of Frankfurt (Oder) Mayor Rene Wilke, who resigned from the party last week, has been particularly difficult for Sebastian Walter to handle.
- In response to a query, Wilke explained that his exit was due to disagreements on migration policy, foreign policy issues related to Russia's attack on Ukraine, the balance between economic and social policy, and between social security and expectations and demands on transfer recipients.
- The Federal Left, disappointed by Wilke's departure, expressed support for the campaign in the upcoming Brandenburg state elections and promised to work hard to strengthen the party in the parliament.
- Sebastian Walter called for consequences for the Federal Party following the European and Local Elections and several party departures in Brandenburg, emphasizing the need for the party to reposition itself in terms of content, personnel, and organization.
- The resignation of Brandenburgan Left Party member Marlen Block a week ago, who also left the party out of frustration, added to the Left's significant losses in Brandenburg during the European and Local Elections.
- With a new Landtag set to be elected on September 22, the state election campaign in Brandenburg is crucial for the Left as they aim to regain their footing and contend with the challenges they have been facing.
