Radical left-wing figures plan to bypass upcoming party convention

The Left Party (Linkspartei) is currently in a state of flux, as the party leadership is considering cancelling their planned party congress in Erfurt. This decision, which will be made on Tuesday evening, follows the announcement that Katja Kipping and Bernd Riexinger will not be running as party leaders anymore after eight years.

In their absence, two new candidates have emerged as potential leaders. Janine Wissler, the Left Party faction leader in Hesse, and Susanne Hennig-Wellsow, the party chair in Thuringia, are the new dual leadership candidates under consideration.

Three alternative options for the party congress are under discussion. The first option proposes a decentralized congress at ten different locations, with a central venue for candidate appearances, preferably this year. The second option suggests a digital party congress followed by a postal vote, which could take two to three months. The third option involves postponing the congress to next year, with the hope of holding a physical congress in a few months.

The Left Party leadership has discussed these proposals with state chairpersons and will make a decision on Tuesday evening. The proposal to cancel the congress has been thoroughly considered, and a decision will be reached based on the best interests of the party and its members.

Regardless of the decision, the Left Party is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and a strong future for the party. The new leadership, whether it be Janine Wissler and Susanne Hennig-Wellsow or others, will face challenges but will also have opportunities to make a positive impact on German politics.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Left Party navigates this crucial period in its history.