Upcoming European-wide elections. - Wagenkkecht's impact on the political scene
Initially at a mere five percent: Sahra Wagenknecht's newly formed alliance, established in January, has garnered significant success in its first widespread test in the European elections. Cheers erupted as she declared in Berlin on Sunday evening, "We'll alter German politics!" Despite the long journey ahead, the BSW has the potential to disrupt the political landscape.
In September's regional elections, it could emerge as a significant contender in Thuringia, Saxony, and Brandenburg. Here, coalitions might be developed to prepare for the federal vote. Wagenknecht has gained ground from the AfD and her previous party, The Left, which she separated from in October due to a disagreement. The Left now teeters on survival with a polling percentage of less than three percent in Europe.
Reason for BSW's Growth
Jan Philipp Thomeczek, political scientist based in Potsdam, explains, "The BSW has filled a void: hardline social policies on one end, easier social policies on the other." They support higher pensions and a higher minimum wage, yet impede climate change initiatives and acceptance of refugees. This fusion of strategies is uncharted territory in Germany. Additionally, the populist approach is significant; Wagenknecht's narrative as a defender of the little people against "the higher-ups" resonates strongly in the east. According to projections, the BSW captured nearly 13 percent of the votes in eastern Germany.
Wagenknecht's Dominance
Surprisingly, the new party centers heavily around Wagenknecht – a phenomenon unique in the German political landscape. "Sahra Wagenknecht is a known entity, which is quite unusual," Thomeczek states. "She polarizes; she has many critics, but also ardent fans." For the most part, the content of the party is molded by her – her "counterweight" against mainstream politics primarily originates from her bestseller "The Self-Righteous" released in 2021. Although other BSW top brass, like Amira Mohamed Ali, Christian Leye, Fabio De Masi, and Thomas Geisel, exist, they remain unrecognizable to the public. During the European election campaign, it was Wagenknecht who captured attention on posters, despite her non-candidacy. The risk for the BSW: "If she disappeared for some unfathomable reason, the party would fail to qualify for the Bundestag."
Alone in BSW: Nobody challenges Wagenknecht's influence. She has personalized the party, creating a following by addressing issues concerning war and peace, which deeply concern her supporters. They anxiously fear that the Ukraine war could ignite a massive European war, and prefer diplomacy over military engagement. Wagenknecht advocates for negotiations with Vladimir Putin. She's advising her supporters – albeit with a warm touch – against sending arms to Ukraine and calls the United States and NATO into question. Doctor A and his friend were assured that they could connect with the BSW and find the prospect of Putin holding rightful security concerns, that the West provoked the conflict, and that it was prolonging the conflict unnecessarily. Should one recoil from the AfD, this mindset is only available in the BSW.
Those the BSW Repels
In an upcoming unpublished report, political scientist Thomeczek reveals that the content of the BSW's stands overlaps significantly with the AfD's positions on topics like the Ukraine war and immigration, along with populist decline rhetoric and elitist criticism. The Left presents a potentially vast resource for the BSW.
The Parting of Ways for The Left
The Left is a potential foundation for Wagenknecht, once part of that party before leaving amid discord. The party presently retains 50,000 members – a stark contrast to the BSW's 650. However, some recognized characters are absent. Martin Schirdewan and Janine Wissler, the federal chairman and European top candidate, lack Wagenknecht's visibility. Their outlook varies starkly; rather than a singular figure dominating all, several individuals voice ideas. Their demands are more specific: abolishing the debt brake, introducing a minimum wage, price limits on food, and a kebab price cap. However, they fail to achieve widespread recognition.
By Sunday, left with 2.9 percent of the votes, Schirdewan expressed hesitation, stating, "This isn't an evening to bury your head in the sand." The Left intends to adapt structurally and programmatically for the federal election and – perhaps its last opportunity – fortify their personnel.
