Germany's Left Party leader apologizes for 'fascist' remark about CDU, faces resignation calls

Luigi Pantisano, the newly elected leader of Germany's Left Party (Die Linke), is facing intense pressure to resign after equating the policies of the center-right CDU party with those of the far-right AfD, calling them "fascist."

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My statement that there is currently no difference between the CDU's policies and those of the AfD was truncated and in this form incorrect.

Pantisano issued an apology on Tuesday, stating his remark was "truncated and incorrect" and expressed regret, particularly to CDU members who advocate for a firm stance against the AfD. However, his apology was swiftly rejected by leading CDU and CSU politicians.

CDU Secretary-General Carsten Linnemann dismissed the apology as "outrageous," asserting that Pantisano's original statement was clear and that his attempt to backtrack with the word "truncated" was a weak excuse. Linnemann insisted that the Left Party must clarify whether Pantisano's views represent the party's official stance or if he should step down immediately.

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To speak of 'truncated' is an outrage. Mr. Pantisano's statement was crystal clear. Now he is trying to wriggle out with 'truncated'.

CSU Secretary-General Martin Huber echoed these sentiments, calling Pantisano's remarks a "catastrophic misstep" that "directly attacks our democracy" and "mocks the victims of fascism." He argued that Pantisano's comparison endangers political discourse and insults democrats. Other prominent CDU figures, like Schleswig-Holstein's Minister President Daniel Günther, had previously suggested Pantisano should withdraw his statement.

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Mr. Pantisano had the chance yesterday to distance himself from his despicable insinuation in interviews. He did not do that.

Within the Left Party itself, Pantisano's comments caused consternation. Eva von Angern, the party's top candidate in Saxony-Anhalt, described the statement as "unacceptable." The controversy stems from a debate within the Left Party about potentially supporting a CDU-led state government in Saxony-Anhalt if the AfD were to win an election there. Pantisano's initial remarks, made in a Bild interview, suggested no difference between the CDU's "fascist policies," the AfD, and fascists themselves.

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The new Left Party chairman Luigi Pantisano must resign immediately after his catastrophic misstep. If Pantisano equates the Union with fascists, he endangers political discourse and directly attacks our democracy.