Critique from left-leaning leadership in key app: "We fell short of our potential"
The Left has been on a decline since the departure of Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) last fall and losing their faction status in the Bundestag. Their performance in the European elections was low at 2.7%, and nationwide polls show a mere 3%. However, the BSW performs better in state elections in Thuringia, Saxony, and Brandenburg in September.
The board acknowledges the criticism that they've been too self-absorbed and not visible enough on key issues. They admit that they haven't spoken with a united voice often enough and haven't made clear decisions on controversial matters. Furthermore, their resolutions haven't been adequately represented in public.
The Left hasn't been successful in pushing the distribution issue between the upper and lower classes into the public spotlight or capitalizing on the dissatisfaction with the 'traffic light' coalition from the left. They also haven't developed effective strategies against the shift to the right.
The board aims to lead the Left onto a new path and restore its success, recognizing that many non-voters hope for a left party they can identify with. They plan to strategically reposition the party and sharpen its stances on issues like social security, fair distribution, more participation, and equal living standards.
The goal is to re-enter the Bundestag with faction strength in the 2025 federal election, learning from their mistakes along the way. Janine Wissler told AFP that the motion is a path to making the Left successful again, with renewal tracks now being set. Martin Schirdewan stated that the paper clearly shows the Left's focus on social justice.
In a detailed essay published on Saturday in the party's online magazine, Wissler discusses the BSW's secession more extensively. She believes the separation should have happened earlier and regrets not addressing the warning signs years ago. Despite sharing content-related criticisms, she underestimated the danger for the party at that time. The consequences of the secession, she concludes, were as foreseeable as they are disastrous now.
The Federal Parliament is the legislative body where the Left aims to regain faction strength in the 2025 election, as stated in their renewal plans. Emphasizing the importance of visibility and unity, the board of the Left vows to be more proactive in voicing their stances on key issues in The Federal Parliament.
