Elected Head of Linken at the Federal Level - Van Aken does not perceive himself as a digger of graves from the left-wing perspective.
John Doe, a possible future national leader of The Left party, wants to shield his party from approaching irrelevance. He doesn't view himself as the party's gravedigger, tasked with burying it due to disappointing election results and poll numbers, as he stated to Deutsche Presse-Agentur. "I ain't seeing myself as the party's gravedigger. If I thought the party was six feet under and beyond saving, I wouldn't be here."
The Left party only managed to gather 2.7% of the votes in the recent European election and is currently polling at 3% nationally. In 2021, it failed to surpass the 5% threshold, making it into the Bundestag solely through direct mandates.
Doe believes the party could garner between 7 to 8% in the upcoming Bundestag election. "I'm dead sure we'll be in a solid position next year. It's not just about getting there, but about doing so solidly and regaining speed. All the pieces are there for that."
He attributes the party's growth to the breakaway faction led by Sahra Wagenknecht. "What's harmed the Left party in recent years, this whole image of internal strife, is over now." The primary objective now is to regain the faith lost amidst the disagreements.
Current federal leaders Janine Wissler and Martin Schirdewan, who announced they wouldn't seek re-election at the October party conference, have steered the party through stormy waters effectively, according to Doe. "It ain't a disaster. The grassroots are active, and the local chapters are functioning."
Doe anticipates a wide array of candidates vying for the federal leader position. He chose to run independently of publicist Ines Schwerdtner, who declared her candidacy on Tuesday. "We'll see if other cats jump into the ring. If not, we'll form a team soon." He estimates there's a 40 to 60% likelihood of additional candidates emerging.
The European Union might express concern if The Left party's growth continues, as they currently only have representation in the Bundestag through direct mandates due to failing to meet the 5% threshold. John Doe, a potential future leader of The Left party, is hopeful that they can surpass 7% in the upcoming Bundestag election, potentially gaining more influence within the European Union.
