In a politically charged atmosphere, Ines Schwerdtner, the chairwoman of the Linke party, has made headlines with her sharp critiques of the CDU's recent decisions and the broader political landscape in Germany. Following the election of Friedrich Merz as Chancellor on May 6, 2025, Schwerdtner expressed her hopes for a more collaborative approach among democratic parties, including her own, the Linke.
Schwerdtner criticized the CDU's incompatibility resolution against the Linke, labeling it a "relic of the past". In an interview with the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND), she stated, "For the CDU, the vote with us was a historic step. I hope they learn the fundamental lesson that they must work with all democratic parties, including the Linke." This call for cooperation comes at a time when the Linke has regained significant strength in the Bundestag, prompting discussions about the necessity of collaboration, especially regarding the upcoming reform of the debt brake.
On May 7, 2025, Schwerdtner further elaborated on her party's demands, calling for the establishment of a commissioner to combat poverty in Germany. "People affected by poverty have no lobbyists in government, and their issues rarely surface in public discussions, despite one in five people in Germany being threatened by poverty or social exclusion," she told the Frankfurter Rundschau. She emphasized the need for a dedicated federal commissioner who could independently address the challenges faced by low-income individuals and develop effective anti-poverty strategies.
In light of the CDU's recent reliance on the Linke's support during the Chancellor election, Schwerdtner predicted that the CDU would struggle to maintain its incompatibility resolution with her party. "The CDU's incompatibility resolution with the Linke is history since Tuesday," she noted, suggesting that the party's previous stance was outdated. This shift in political dynamics raises questions about the future of CDU-Linke relations, particularly as they may need to collaborate on pressing issues like the debt brake reform.
Moreover, Schwerdtner did not shy away from expressing her disdain for Chancellor Merz, whom she referred to as "burned" due to his past alliances with the far-right AfD. "Merz has already squandered much trust with special assets and the debt brake," she remarked, highlighting the ideological barriers that may hinder cooperation between the CDU and the Linke. Despite these tensions, she acknowledged the necessity of dialogue, stating, "I would even sit down with the class enemy at the table" to discuss the crucial reform of the debt brake.
Schwerdtner's remarks reflect a broader strategy within the Linke to redefine its role in German politics. Since taking on the leadership alongside Jan van Aken in October 2024, she has emphasized the importance of class consciousness and democratic socialism. "The Linke must understand itself as a party of the class, not just a collection of various small interests," she asserted, advocating for a clear focus on the material interests of the working population.
With the Linke's membership having more than doubled to over 110,000, Schwerdtner is keen on instilling a foundational understanding of Marxism among new members. She believes that addressing the material problems of the populace, such as high rents and poor working conditions, is vital to regaining the trust of working-class voters who have increasingly turned to the AfD in recent elections.
Schwerdtner's leadership comes at a time when the political landscape in Germany is evolving, with the Verfassungsschutz recently classifying the AfD as a confirmed right-wing extremist party. This classification has sparked discussions about the need for all parties to recognize the threat posed by the AfD and to work towards addressing the fears and frustrations of the electorate.
In a recent interview, Schwerdtner articulated her vision for the Linke's future, emphasizing the importance of grassroots engagement and community building. "We need to listen more to society and establish ourselves in workplaces," she stated, underscoring her commitment to ensuring that working people regain dignity and respect in the political discourse.
As the Linke navigates its position within a fragmented political landscape, Schwerdtner faces the challenge of balancing ideological purity with the practicalities of governance. Her insistence on addressing poverty and social exclusion, alongside her critiques of the CDU and Merz, positions her party as a crucial player in shaping Germany's political future.
In conclusion, Schwerdtner's outspoken nature and strategic approach may very well redefine the Linke's trajectory in German politics, particularly as the party seeks to reclaim its relevance among the working class while advocating for a more inclusive political environment.
