After Sahra Wagenknecht’s “economic war” speech in the Bundestag, Left Party chairmen Janine Wissler and Martin Schirdewan called for unity and warned of a threat to the party. “We have a responsibility, not just for us as a party, but for millions of people who voted for us,” said Wissler on Sunday after a meeting of the federal executive board in Rathenow. Especially those who speak publicly for the party should not counteract the work of many others. The left is a historic achievement. “That’s why I appeal to everyone not to endanger this historic project.” She did not mention Wagenknecht by name, but said that this applies to everyone who has spoken publicly or who has been quoted.
With regard to Russia, Wagenknecht accused the federal government on Thursday of “starting an unprecedented economic war against our most important energy supplier”. She called for economic sanctions against Russia to be stopped and for negotiations with Russia to resume gas supplies to Germany. Wissler and Schirdewan criticize that some of this does not correspond to the party’s agreed positions. After that, Klaus Ernst and Alexander Ulrich rejected criticism of Wagenknecht and attacked the party executive.
Linke co-boss Schirdewan said that statements by members of the party were perceived with astonishment. It is now a matter of working to “defend the historical achievement that means the existence of this party”. During the retreat, the party leaders exchanged views with the leaders of the left-wing faction, Wissler said.
