- Ramelow advocates for fundamental adjustments within the progressive faction.
Following the resignation of the two leaders, Janine Wissler and Martin Schirdewan, as chairpersons of the Left party at a national level, Thuringia's Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow has advocated for significant changes within his party. In an interview in Erfurt, Ramelow urged the district and state associations to not only focus on personnel-related matters but also tackle structural issues head-on. He emphasized the importance of better incorporation of state associations within the party's formal framework.
Wissler and Schirdewan announced their resignation on Sunday and will not seek re-election at the party conference in Halle in October. Ramelow acknowledged their commitment and responsible decision-making until that point.
Speaking to "Stern", Ramelow said, "The announcement is an absolutely necessary step." Although the resignation came at an inconvenient time, with state elections in Saxony and Thuringia scheduled for September 1, he respects the choices of his colleagues. However, he believes that a new leadership in the Left party can only contribute to a broader rejuvenation of the party. Merely changing leadership personnel is not enough, in his opinion.
The Left party has been grappling with falling poll numbers since Sahra Wagenknecht's departure and the establishment of her own party. Ramelow aims to continue serving as the Prime Minister in Thuringia, but his Left party is currently polling between 11 and 16 percent, following the founding of the Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW). In the 2019 state election, the Left party emerged as the strongest force in Thuringia with Ramelow leading the charge, securing 31 percent of the votes.
The Left party's Commission may need to address the party's falling poll numbers and structural issues, as suggested by Thuringia's Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow. Despite the resignation of Janine Wissler and Martin Schirdewan, Ramelow acknowledges their contributions and believes that a new leadership can contribute to a broader rejuvenation within the party, emphasizing the importance of incorporating state associations more effectively.
