Sahra Wagenknecht, the prominent German politician and founder of the newly established political party Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), has officially launched her campaign for the upcoming 2025 Bundestag elections. The BSW first emerged earlier this year, with Wagenknecht at its forefront, advocating for social reforms and peace initiatives.
The Berlin-based presentation on December 18, 2024, where BSW unveiled its strategies and vision, was marked by Wagenknecht’s assertion: "Alle alten Parteien hätten versagt, es sei Zeit für einen neuen Gesellschaftsvertrag" ("All old parties have failed, it is time for a new social contract"). This declaration encapsulates the core of her campaign message, which is aimed at establishing the BSW as a credible alternative to the conventional political parties.
Christian Leye, the General Secretary of the BSW, also mentioned the necessity of the campaign to create visibility for the party even if they have "kein reales Chancen auf die Kanzlerschaft" ("no real chances for the chancellorship"). Wagenknecht's vocal criticism of the current political climate reinforces her push for significant reform. Leye defended her candidacy, stressing the importance of having prominent figures recognizable to the public, particularly since recent polls have placed Wagenknecht's party within the competition for surpassing the five-percent threshold necessary for parliamentary representation.
With the BSW's foundation dating back to January 2024, the party has already made its mark during the European Parliament and state elections, showing promise for its future electoral endeavors. The upcoming campaign will be the party's first significant test at the national level, and Wagenknecht is determined to carve out her space among the seasoned contenders.
The BSW aims to take a left-conservative route, distancing itself from previously held views, especially concerning international relations. A significant aspect of Wagenknecht’s campaign focuses on economic issues—especially the impact of Western sanctions against Russia, which she claims have led to soaring energy prices negatively affecting the German economy.
"Wir müssen schauen, dass der Wohlstand in diesem Land nicht unter die Räder kommt" ("We must see to it the prosperity of this country does not crumble"), she stated emphatically during the launch event. Wagenknecht links the current economic difficulties directly to the geopolitical situation, urging for policies centered around national welfare instead of military aggression or foreign entanglements.
Central to the party’s narrative is the discussion surrounding peace and defense issues, which Wagenknecht articulated as primary concerns. While avoiding direct accusations of aggression against Russia, she emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy, stating, "Die Frage von Krieg und Frieden" ("The question of war and peace") must be at the forefront of their politics.
Despite her controversial views, her party is gaining traction, with initial surveys indicating favorable conditions for overcoming the electoral threshold. The intense media scrutiny, paired with public interest, is shaping both Wagenknecht’s image and her party’s future.
Using large campaign posters featuring only her likeness, the BSW’s approach is deliberately personal, contrasting with traditional party strategies, which often promote collective identities. This highly personalized campaign style is intended to establish Wagenknecht as the unique figure of change the party is promising.
Wagenknecht has also articulated her views on social justice, advocating for reforms within the pension system and calling for a universal health insurance structure. She claims the existing system penalizes ordinary citizens who contribute more than they receive. By promoting policies for equitable social insurance and challenging the current system, the BSW seeks to resonate with voters disillusioned with the status quo.
On immigration, she urged the need to counter "irreguläre Migration" ("irregular migration"), emphasizing the importance of maintaining national integrity and economic stability. Her focus attempts to align the party with broader public concerns, emphasizing sovereignty and security.
The party faces challenges, primarily competing against well-established factions like the SPD, CDU, and the Greens, which are all vying for votes leading to the Bundestag elections set for February 9, 2025. Wagenknecht insists on participating fully in the political discourse, not shying from debates where her vision can be evaluated against other candidates.
Wagenknecht has publicly called for inclusion in televised debates alongside other candidates, arguing for transparency and the visible differences between party platforms. "Dann könnten die Bürger sich ihr eigenes Bild von den Kandidaten und ihren Programmen machen" ("Then citizens could form their own opinions of the candidates and their programs"), she commented, reflecting her willingness to confront her opponents directly.
Distinct challenges to her campaign strategy arise from differing views on how to frame debates, especially with candidates from other parties. The upcoming televised debates have already drawn attention, with sharp remarks directed at competitors who exclude her party from broader discussions.
Overall, with the launch of the BSW’s campaign, Sahra Wagenknecht's ambitions reflect both her desire for structural change within Germany's political system and her commitment to addressing pressing social issues. The party’s blend of personal appeal, criticism of established norms, and their vision for the future positions them as potential disruptors within the German political arena.
