BSW Elects New Leadership Amid Lingering Internal Disputes

The political party formed by Sahra Wagenknecht, known as BSW, has entered a period of transition following its recent national party congress in Magdeburg. The event marked significant changes at the top, as new leaders took the helm and the party began distancing itself from its founder's name, which will be formally removed from the party title by October 2026.

At the congress, attended by 660 delegates, Sahra Wagenknecht delivered a highly anticipated address. Despite stepping down from the national chair, she remains influential within the party, now serving as head of the values commission. Wagenknecht indicated her continued involvement in shaping the party's direction, suggesting her political influence will persist.

The leadership transition saw Fabio De Masi and Amira Mohamed Ali appointed as co-chairs, with their team comprising seven deputies. The selection process reflected continuity, as all appointments were based on recommendations from the outgoing leadership, leaving little room for dissenting voices within the top ranks. Other candidates, such as Dirk Hoffmeister from Thuringia, received minimal support, and alternative candidacies were withdrawn, reinforcing the dominance of the party's established leadership circle.

Central to the party's agenda remains the theme of peace, particularly in relation to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The BSW leadership emphasized opposition to increasing military expenditure and military service proposals, criticizing both the government and opposition parties for their stance on defense and foreign policy. Delegates repeatedly expressed strong support for BSW's critical perspective on Western involvement in the Ukraine conflict, highlighting the party's belief that diplomatic opportunities were overlooked in favor of escalation.

Beyond foreign policy, BSW continues to advocate for the import of affordable energy from Russia, as well as increased funding for education and social programs. These positions are directly tied to the party's stance against allocating resources to military aid and defense spending.

Despite its electoral successes in 2024, particularly in states like Brandenburg and Thuringia where BSW participates in regional governments, the party faces internal tensions regarding its role in these coalitions. Wagenknecht reiterated concerns about compromising party principles in coalition negotiations, particularly when working with established parties such as the SPD. She warned against diluting BSW's identity and urged representatives to prioritize the interests of BSW voters over those of coalition partners.

These unresolved disputes raise questions about the party's future in regional governments. While leaders like Brandenburg's Finance Minister Robert Crumbach and Thuringia's Infrastructure Minister Steffen Schütz affirmed their commitment to effective governance, they acknowledged ongoing challenges in aligning state and national party strategies. Some regional leaders voiced reservations about the party's shift toward a more oppositional stance, suggesting potential difficulties in maintaining unity across different levels of government.

Looking ahead, both regional and national leaders identified the upcoming state election in Saxony-Anhalt, scheduled for September 2026, as a pivotal moment for the party's trajectory. The outcome is expected to influence both the internal dynamics and the broader political relevance of BSW in the coming years.