Germany's Left Party Names Its Leading Candidates

The Left Party in Germany has determined its lead candidates for the upcoming early elections. Following a meeting of the party leadership in Berlin today, co-chair Ines Schwerdtner announced to the press that the lead candidates are Jan van Aken and Heidi Reichinnek. Schwerdtner stated that they are entering the election campaign in unity and solidarity, noting that the decision regarding the lead candidates was made in collaboration with the heads of the state organizations and the Left Party group in the Federal Assembly.

The 36-year-old Heidi Reichinnek has been serving as the co-chair of the Left Party Group alongside Sören Pellman since February. The 63-year-old Jan van Aken was elected co-chair at the party's congress held in October.

During the press conference, van Aken emphasized that they will engage in class struggle during the election campaign, stating, "We need a strong Left Party and a strong left in Germany at this time." He warned that there is a risk of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gaining even more power, which he indicated would lead to "more fascism." Regarding the election prospects of Friedrich Merz, the candidate for chancellor from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) parties, van Aken mentioned that if Merz becomes chancellor, there could be ruthless cuts in social services.

Van Aken highlighted the importance of a country where "the strong stand by the weak," stating that some cuts need to be made from the "arrogant super-rich." He asserted, "Therefore, we believe that there should absolutely be no billionaires in Germany."