So, somebody recently asked me to do a Marxist–Leninist reading of the conservative-left party Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) the party is currently still operating under that name, though a potential rebranding is expected. I am half German, so I figured I would write a short, factual overview of what the party is, where it comes from, and how it positions itself.
We can discuss theory and critique in the comments afterward.
Quick Summary
- The” BSW” was created as a splinter group from “Die Linke”.
- Die Linke” itself is also the product of earlier mergers and splits in German left politics.
- The party was initially founded and led by Sahra Wagenknecht, but this was or is about to change.
- Wagenknecht is married to Oskar Lafontaine, former SPD leader and prominent figure in Die Linke. She grew up in the GDR and is half-Iranian.
- In the European Parliament, BSW sits with the Unified European Left (UEL), not GUE/NGL.
Sahra Wagenknecht: Background & Profile
Sahra Wagenknecht is one of the most prominent figures in German politics, known for her mix of left-leaning economic positions and culturally conservative messaging.
- ** Early life & ideology:**
Born in the GDR to an East-German mother and Iranian father, she entered the PDS (the post-SED party) in the early 1990s. Her early writings were more traditionally Marxist, though her later positions diverge sharply from orthodox Marxism.
- Career in Die Linke:
Served as Bundestag representative, economic spokesperson, and co-chair of the parliamentary faction. She became known for criticizing neoliberal reforms and EU austerity.
- Internal conflicts:
Repeated disputes with other factions of Die Linke, especially over migration, cultural politics, and foreign policy, led to her eventual split.
- Public image:
Combines left-wing economic rhetoric with conservative cultural critiques. Highly media-savvy and frequently on talk shows. She also writes a lot of books.
- Personal ties:
Her marriage to Oskar Lafontaine further ties her to older social-democratic and post-communist political networks.
The BSW: Ideological & Policy Profile
The BSW positions itself as a party for “social justice, economic stability, and common sense,” blending social-democratic economics with socially conservative themes.
- Economic Policy
Strongly interventionist; supports state regulation and higher taxes on the wealthy. Critical of privatization; favours re-municipalization of key services. Focus on cost-of-living issues, housing, and industrial decline. Pro-industrial strategy but anti-corporate in rhetoric.
- Social & Cultural Policy
Rejects identity politics and “lifestyle leftism.” More restrictive migration stance than most European left parties. Emphasis on social cohesion, stability, and communitarian values.
- Foreign Policy
Critical of NATO and U.S. foreign policy. Opposes weapons deliveries to Ukraine, favours negotiations and sanctions relief. Seeks restoration of economic ties with Russia (while officially condemning the invasion). Sceptical of deeper EU integration.
- Environmental Policy
Supports climate goals but rejects consumption bans and “eco-austerity.” Emphasizes technological investment over regulatory restrictions.
Controversies, Local-Level Behaviour & Criticism
- Local gains but conservative cooperation:
While BSW has achieved notable success in eastern state elections, it often cooperates with conservative or centrist parties at the local/state level, which critics view as inconsistent with its left-economic message .
- Strong anti-“woke” stance:
The party sharply criticizes identity politics, gender policies, and cultural liberalism. This appeals to certain working-class voters but alienates much of the traditional left.
- Accusations of pro-Kremlin alignment:
Opponents argue its Ukraine and NATO positions echo Russian narratives. These are political allegations; the party denies them, and verified evidence of Kremlin funding is lacking.
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There was some suspicion on who funded the party , German news and donation watch list one family (listed as Thomas Stanger) that donated millions to the party.
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Backlash over Ukraine-related remarks:
Wagenknecht has faced criticism for comments perceived as overly sympathetic to Russia or dismissive of Ukrainian concerns, though some viral claims are unverified or misrepresented.
The BSW is not a Marxist–Leninist party, nor does it claim to be its program is reformist, populist, and firmly within the framework of capitalist parliamentary politics.
Anyways, if you find something that is incorrect pls feel free to correct me. Also leave your comments and thoughts below.
N.B: This is in no way to promote this party. This post is more about informing people about it and critically discussing issues arising from such parties.
I have recently been finally approved for membership.
I do disagree with outsiders calling the part socially conservative. It doesn't take issue with things like LGBT rights, deviation from the "nuclear family" or anything else that allows people to live their personal lives as they see fit.
What they did criticise is the overfixation on liberal gender issues. The party doesn't view intersectionality as an important topic. And I tend to agree with that. The focus of any Marxist or otherwise left party should be the working class. If there is a societal push to greater LGBT rights or the like, it should be supported. But it's a waste of resources to spend too much on those issues, if there isn't. Specifically changes to grammar of the German language were made. To be more inclusive gendered nouns are slowly being replaced with neutral nouns that are aesthetically unpleasing and don't really do anything about inclusiveness (One of the most common new spellings includes an asterisks in the middle of the word *). Neither has language been specifically un-inclusive. It's a way too overblown issue and waste of time.
Take China as an example with it's three no's in regards to LGBT (no approval, no disapproval, no promotion). Homosexuality bas been decriminalised in the 90s or early 2000s if I remember right. No one is stopped from being gay, bi, trans, etc. Yet the LGBT movement in China is no important political issue. Therefore the CPC isn't championing LGBT rights or making any sweeping reforms in regards to such. It's a puzzle piece, not the entire puzzle.
As for the party itself, it's not a Marxist party, but much of its leadership come from Marxist circles. It does incorporate democratic centralism. But the goal of the party isn't to establish socialism. It's a vehicle to break up traditional neoliberal politics via populism and revive the left. Hopefully some day reviving Marxist movements and communist parties in the west. Because honestly speaking if a revolution were to break out anywhere in the first world, no communist party there today has the organisation or numbers to lead it.
why didn't you just join "die linke", the dkp or the mlpd? genuine question. because afaik the bsw is very apologetic about the afd and both parties talked about eventually forming a coalition government.
i know the parties i mentioned have their issues: die linke has the "antideutscher flügel" - a bunch of zionists who luckily get bullied out of their own party, the dkp and mlpd are very small. - but these problems are not as severe as a party that seems to get comfortable with neoliberal fascists.
Die Linke because it's neither a marxist party and is flooded with lifestyle leftists aka university students, social democrats and democratic socialists. Marxists are a minority platform and with the founding of the BSW most left. Also it's been dying until recently.
As for the DKP and MLPD, because they're tiny parties and not going anywhere. Communist parties will not revive themselves. As said previously in their current state they wouldn't be able to become a vanguard for any revolution.
They also have their own issues. The MLPD is a bit suspect because leadership has always been in the hands of one family and their friends. And perplexingly enough they're pro-Ukrainian or at least opposed to Russia in the Russo-Ukrainian war. The DKP had a revisionist streak, though since about 10 years ago turned away from revisionism towards more revolutionary politics again. At the same time rehabilitating Stalin. But again they're still in no position to lead any revolution.