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German Left Party Congress Tackles AfD, Middle East Conflict
🇩🇪 Germany /Elections & Politics

German Left Party Congress Tackles AfD, Middle East Conflict

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Left Party in Germany began its three-day federal party congress in Potsdam, focusing on strategy against the AfD and government reforms.
  • The congress will address the party's stance on the Middle East conflict and Israel, with a call to criticize the Israeli government's actions in Gaza and stop arms exports.
  • Party leader Jan van Aken will step down for health reasons, with Luigi Pantisano and Ines Schwerdtner vying for leadership.

The Left Party in Germany convened its federal congress in Potsdam, with delegates debating strategy ahead of crucial eastern German elections. The party aims to counter the AfD's rise and address government reforms under the slogan "Enough! Make life affordable."

We are all agreed that one must criticize this Israeli government for the war crimes in Gaza.

— Jan van AkenParty leader Jan van Aken speaking before the congress about the party's stance on the Middle East conflict.

A significant point of contention is the party's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Party leader Jan van Aken stated that a consensus is emerging to criticize the Israeli government for "war crimes in Gaza" and to halt arms exports to Israel. He also emphasized the need to combat antisemitism in all its forms, noting that consequences must be drawn for individuals holding positions within the Linksjugend Solid if they make controversial statements.

Just as we are agreed that one must fight antisemitism in all its forms. And we will agree on that tonight.

— Jan van AkenParty leader Jan van Aken speaking before the congress about the party's stance on the Middle East conflict.

The congress will also elect a new leadership duo. Jan van Aken is stepping down due to health issues. Bundestagsfraktionsvize Luigi Pantisano is seeking to replace him, while co-chair Ines Schwerdtner is running for re-election. While further candidacies are possible, none have been announced yet.

that goes absolutely nowhere

— Jan van AkenJan van Aken commenting on controversial statements made by members of the Linksjugend Solid.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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