“Leipzig Declaration”: Linke is once again looking to close ranks

Status: 12/10/2022 8:27 p.m

For months, the left has presented the image of a deeply divided party. With the “Leipzig Declaration” that has now been passed, the party wants to fill in the trenches. And distances himself clearly from the controversial Sahra Wagenknecht.

At least since the last federal election, Die Linke has been deep in crisis. At that time, she was just able to save the status of the parliamentary group because three leftists won direct mandates and, thanks to the basic mandate clause, the party also took part in the normal distribution of seats, although it narrowly failed at the five percent hurdle. The party and faction are deeply at odds – and one name keeps popping up: Sahra Wagenknecht. The former frontwoman, who is still popular, repeatedly takes positions that are far removed from the line of the party leadership. Recently there was even a split in the room – Wagenknecht even put the founding of his own party in the room.

Social security, climate protection, peace policy

With the “Leipzig Declaration” passed at a meeting, the party and parliamentary group leaders want to overcome internal turmoil: Social security, well-paid work, climate protection and a strict peace policy are to be the focal points of party work.

With the joint declaration, the party leadership also distances itself from Wagenknecht and its supporters: “There is even speculation in public about the formation of an alternative party project,” it says. “On the other hand, we are ready to fight for our common party, to defend and develop the historic project of a united, plural socialist party.” Precisely because the party is currently offering a “picture of dissension”, “relevant groups in society no longer feel addressed”.

Clear statements on energy, Russia and rights

Specifically, the “Leipzig Declaration” calls for “promoting the energy transition” and billions for the expansion of renewable energies. Wagenknecht, on the other hand, had recently spoken out in favor of further Russian oil and gas imports.

Furthermore, the paper explicitly blames Russia for the war of aggression against Ukraine: “We are committed to Ukraine’s right to self-defense and demand the full restoration of Ukrainian sovereignty,” it says. Anders Wagenknecht: She sees a joint responsibility for NATO, especially the USA. At the same time, the left is relying on a diplomatic solution: “International initiatives for disarmament and detente policies, fair global economic structures and civil conflict solutions are needed,” they say.

The party wants to relieve people with lower incomes – and spend significantly more money than before: “It is time for a redistribution offensive from top to bottom and to overcome the ‘debt brake’ with a historic investment turnaround – for good work, health, Education and culture and a livable and sustainable future for all,” the paper says.

And finally, the party and parliamentary group leaders clearly differentiate themselves from the AfD: “Clear edge against the right,” says the paper. Wagenknecht, on the other hand, had recently identified the Greens as the most dangerous party in the Bundestag.

Wagenknecht not there

Federal chairmen Janine Wissler and Martin Schirdewan had invited all the important functionaries of the party to the retreat in Leipzig, i.e. in addition to the board of directors as well as the leaders of the parliamentary group and the state associations and parliamentary groups. However, Wagenknecht was not there – although she is a member of the Bundestag, she does not have a party office.

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