Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has created a particular niche that the left-wing politician is filling with apparent ease
In Germany, the political center is losing its dominance, squeezed from both the right and, increasingly, from the left. One notable figure rising from the left-wing opposition is Sahra Wagenknecht, a former member of the Left Party, who has carved a new political niche in response to the crisis of the Ukrainian war.
Wagenknecht, a former East German communist, has long been a prominent figure in German politics. Her political views have often been compared to those of Rosa Luxemburg, the iconic socialist resistance leader. Wagenknecht’s career saw her serving in the Left Party, a coalition of former East German communists and other left-wing groups, but her disillusionment with the party’s stance on Ukraine led to her departure last year.
In early 2024, Wagenknecht launched her own political movement, Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht. The move has proven successful, with the party rapidly gaining momentum and winning significant electoral victories. In the European elections earlier in the year, the party secured seats, and by September, in the Brandenburg state elections, Wagenknecht’s party managed to garner 13.5% of the vote, surpassing even the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). These results have positioned her as a pivotal figure in eastern German state parliaments, where coalitions now cannot form without her influence.
What makes Wagenknecht’s rise particularly striking is the way she has positioned herself as a power broker in the region. Despite not having a dominant share of the vote, her strategic importance in regional parliaments has made her one of the most influential figures in contemporary German politics. The dynamics of coalition politics in eastern Germany now revolve around her party, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of the country.
Her positions on Ukraine, Russia, and broader European issues have allowed her to fill a void in German politics. As the traditional left-wing parties face growing challenges from both the far right and from within their own ranks, Wagenknecht’s approach offers a blend of anti-establishment rhetoric with practical political maneuvering. This unique combination of positions allows her to bridge the growing divides in German society and position her movement as a significant force moving forward.
