Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) party, is on a campaign tour ahead of the European elections. She urges voters not to be discouraged by the long ballot paper, as her party is listed towards the bottom. At a rally in Magdeburg, she emphasizes the importance of peace and criticizes NATO, with supporters echoing her sentiments. Many believe that Wagenknecht is the only one advocating for peace, in contrast to mainstream media which they feel spreads misinformation.
Wagenknecht rallies against the current German government, criticizing rising food and energy prices while education standards decline. She attributes these issues to the government’s inefficiency and their support of sanctions against Russia. Her supporters resonate with her message, expressing frustration with mainstream politics and media. However, in the lead-up to the European elections, internal conflicts within the party start to surface, particularly in Thuringia, where Mario Forchhammer resigns from the BSW state board due to dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership.
The BSW’s restrictive membership policies lead to discontent among some members, who feel excluded from the decision-making process. Wagenknecht aims to keep dissenters out of the party to maintain unity, but this approach faces criticism from those who perceive favoritism in the party’s selection process. Despite internal tensions, the party celebrates a legal victory, securing a spot for their candidate in a televised debate. Fabio De Masi, the BSW’s lead candidate, hopes to use this platform to challenge mainstream politicians and advocate for peace.
De Masi condemns politicians who advocate for arms sales to Ukraine while sitting comfortably at home, labeling them as “Sofahelden” or “Gratismut.” He singles out FDP candidate Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann for her support of arms sales to Ukraine, nicknaming her “Flak-Zimmermann” or “Strack-Rheinmetall.” De Masi suggests that politicians like her should wear Borussia Dortmund jerseys to signify their ties to the arms industry. Despite internal conflicts and external challenges, the BSW remains committed to its message of peace and anti-militarism.
Wagenknecht’s campaign tour aims to mobilize voters ahead of the European elections, with the BSW polling at a promising 6-7% of the vote. Supporters are enthusiastic about the party’s focus on peace and criticism of mainstream politics. While facing internal disputes in Thuringia, the BSW leadership works to address concerns and maintain party unity. The party celebrates a legal victory that secures a spot for their lead candidate in a televised debate, providing a platform to challenge mainstream politicians and advocate for peace on a national stage.
