Left Party Convention Focuses on Rent Control and Cost of Living Reduction

The Left Party's convention has commenced in Berlin, described as potentially the shortest in the party's history, with a scheduled duration of approximately six hours. Around 600 delegates are set to finalize the party's election platform for the upcoming federal elections.

Key issues for the party include the limitation of rent increases and the reduction of living costs. The party leader emphasized the necessity of implementing a rent cap as a primary demand.

In the wake of the split with the Alliance of Sahra Wagenknecht about a year ago, the Left Party has faced a decline in support, currently polling at only three to four percent--making a return to the Bundestag improbable. However, the leadership remains optimistic, citing thousands of new members and significant attendance at campaign events. The co-chair expressed enthusiasm regarding the current momentum.

Prior to the convention, there were a total of 564 proposed amendments to the program draft, the majority of which had been discussed beforehand, leaving around 50 proposals to be debated in the afternoon.

The party leaders reiterated their identity as an antifascist organization, highlighting concerns regarding the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which they accuse of openly adopting fascist rhetoric regarding migration and deportation. They emphasized the need for active antifascism in the current political climate.

The party leader has articulated the importance of a strong Left Party representation in the forthcoming parliament to counteract a potential shift to the right. He asserted that without Left representation, the political landscape would tilt significantly rightward, limiting the actions of the Social Democrats and Greens to their current promises.

In November, the party announced its candidates for the upcoming elections, including the party leader and another prominent member. There is also hope surrounding the 'Silver Lock Mission', which aims for veteran politicians to secure direct mandates. Success in these elections could allow the party to enter the Bundestag with multiple representatives, even if their overall vote falls below the five percent threshold.

The party leader has highlighted that every vote for the Left is crucial for ensuring social justice and equity, emphasizing that no vote is wasted.