The Left Party is experiencing a revival ahead of the 2025 federal election, driven by dynamic candidates like Jan van Aken and Heidi Reichinnek. Their campaign focuses on pressing issues such as rising living costs, utilizing social media to engage voters. With a growing membership and a strong grassroots approach, they aim to connect with communities through direct outreach. This strategy, combined with addressing public concerns, positions them favorably as they approach the election.
Upcoming Federal Election 2025
While many had predicted their downfall, the Left Party appears poised to make a comeback into the Bundestag. What has driven this resurgence? A closer look at their election campaign reveals some answers.
Jan van Aken, the leading candidate for the Left, is brimming with enthusiasm. Prior to this campaign, he was relatively unknown on a national scale, but now he passionately describes the energy at the party’s events. ‘The vibe is reminiscent of a Backstreet Boys concert! We need to allocate time for selfies everywhere—me for an hour, and with Heidi at least two hours,’ he jokes.
Heidi Reichinnek, the party’s second candidate and a 36-year-old from Lower Saxony, has recently become a social media sensation. Her speeches in the Bundestag, along with her engaging content on Instagram and TikTok, have garnered millions of views. An estimated 29 million people have watched her passionate address after the Union voted alongside the AfD.
What has sparked a revival for a party many had dismissed, including some of its own members who doubted their chances of returning to the Bundestag?
The Left Party is steadily approaching the five percent threshold, largely thanks to its dynamic duo.
Emphasis on Key Issues
The Left is honing in on a select number of pressing issues. Their campaign centers on the soaring costs of rent and grocery prices. The party has introduced practical solutions through apps for those who feel they are victims of inflated rents or exorbitant heating expenses. Furthermore, the leadership has opted to cut their salaries to 2,850 euros, reflecting the average wage of a skilled worker in Germany.
Additionally, the party is committed to maintaining a unified front, avoiding public disputes. Jan van Aken commented on the departure of Sahra Wagenknecht, stating, ‘200 had to leave so that 20,000 new could come.’ Remarkably, the Left is now nearing its 18th anniversary with its highest membership numbers yet, and the average age of new members is around 28.
The Left is witnessing a surge in party membership, a trend that is also echoed by other political parties.
Leveraging Public Sentiment
The recent public discourse regarding the Union’s alliance with the AfD has inadvertently bolstered the Left’s visibility and relevance.
Engaging Voters Directly
In a bid to reconnect with potential voters, the Left is emphasizing door-to-door outreach. On a sunny yet chilly Saturday morning in February in Berlin-Neukölln, supporters gather at a local café to strategize for their weekend canvassing efforts.
Despite the party’s unexpected momentum, the turnout of hundreds of volunteers from across Germany, including cities like Bremen and Stuttgart, catches the organizers by surprise.
The party has strategically identified key constituencies where they believe they can secure direct mandates, with Berlin-Neukölln being a focal point during the critical phase of the election campaign.
It’s noteworthy that three parties are currently hovering at the threshold, which is quite unusual.
Motivated to Create Change
Elias and Klara have traveled from Göttingen to engage with residents about their concerns. Klara, a 20-year-old physics student, is not yet a member of the Left but plans to join shortly. Elias, 24, who studies philosophy and political science, is already a member and aims to influence politics ‘differently.’
Both are compelled by the growing influence of the AfD and a sense of helplessness, eager to make a difference and advocate for solidarity within their community. Their approach resonates with many, as they engage in meaningful conversations with residents.
In one instance, a man in his 40s initially expresses his inability to vote due to his non-German citizenship. Klara reassures him, emphasizing their shared community, and inquires about his concerns. He opens up about the skyrocketing food prices affecting his family of six, sharing that his weekly grocery bill has surged from 150-180 euros to 250 euros since the onset of the Ukraine war.
During the Left’s federal party convention, the energy is palpable, with a keen focus on social issues.
Connecting with Communities
Members of the Left share numerous stories similar to this, shaping the party’s electoral platform through these dialogues. Even if not everyone they speak with decides to vote for the Left, the dialogue rekindles connections with the community.
The Left seems to have successfully redefined its image through a combination of grassroots campaigning, recognizable figures from ‘Mission Silverlock,’ and a dynamic social media presence on Instagram and TikTok. This strategy has made the party appealing to a younger, progressive voter base, undeterred by the party’s discussions on corporate expropriation and the need for state-controlled housing.
What key issues are highlighted in the election programs? What are the stakes in the current election campaign? For in-depth analyses, reports, and updates on the early federal election scheduled for February 2025, stay tuned.
This topic was covered by Deutschlandfunk on January 18, 2025, at 6:18 PM.