The results of last week's general election in Germany confirmed the momentum and energy of the populist right: Merz's Conservatives (Christlich Demokratische Union, in alliance with the Bavarian Christlich-Soziale Union) were the biggest party, their programme pushed rightwards by the Alternative for Germany (Alternative für Deutschland), who won the second largest number of votes and seats.
In such a situation, how can we talk of hope?
The Left (Die Linke) saw their vote increase, and their representation in parliament jumped from 39 seats to 64.
What lies behind this development? Link here to a thoughtful article from Cornelia Hildebrandt of Transform! Europe.
And click here for some thoughts from colleagues in the European Left Party.
Democratic Left Scotland learns a great deal from its involvement in the processes and discussions of the European Left Party, and values the partnership this generates with parties and groups across our continent, including with Die Linke. We will watch with great interest how the German comrades operate in their country's new political context, and look forward to seeing initiatives which can help turn the reactionary tide. One issue for Die Linke will be how to relate to Sahra Wagenknecht and the (now) former parliamentarians and activists in the alliance which carries her name, and which failed to meet the 5 % threshold for representation in the Bundestag by the smallest sliver of votes.
Published 2 March 2025