Wagenknecht Launches BSW Campaign in Munich Amidst Controversy

Tue 4th Feb, 2025

Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the Alliance for Peace and Justice (BSW), commenced her campaign for the upcoming Bundestag elections on Munich's Marienplatz, emphasizing the importance of peace while criticizing both the SPD and the Greens. Despite the cold weather, several hundred attendees gathered for the event, with police estimates varying between 500 and 2000 participants. Supporters interpreted this turnout as a sign of the BSW's potential to secure a seat in the Bundestag.

Michael Lüders, a journalist and BSW candidate from Saxony-Anhalt, addressed the crowd by expressing concerns that media outlets are suppressing the party's visibility. He claimed that not only the media but also political factions in Berlin are acting against German interests, particularly in light of international relations with the U.S. and Russia.

Wagenknecht's speech focused heavily on issues of war and peace, resonating with attendees who have personal experiences related to conflict. One former school psychologist highlighted her Christian beliefs against violence, while an art educator, familiar with Wagenknecht from her time in the Left Party, shared her deep-seated opposition to war.

As the discussion turned to the BSW's stance on immigration, some attendees expressed reservations about the party's asylum policies, despite their support for Wagenknecht. A longtime peace activist also indicated his wavering support, questioning the party's recent decisions.

The event's atmosphere was further charged by counter-protests, with demonstrators chanting slogans against Russian influence. Notably, Klaus Ernst, the BSW's Bavarian representative, dismissed doubts about the party's position, arguing for a pragmatic approach to energy sourcing, specifically the need to consider cheaper gas options, including imports from Russia.

Wagenknecht was introduced as a voice of reason in turbulent times, leading her supporters to rally around her call for a reassessment of Germany's immigration control, asserting that the current situation reflects a significant failure of policy. She accused rival parties of hypocrisy, claiming their prior actions contributed to the rise of the AfD.

Reiterating her commitment to peace, Wagenknecht condemned what she termed a reckless arms race among European nations and emphasized the necessity of negotiations in resolving the Ukraine conflict. She criticized those who advocate for military solutions, asserting that true peace cannot be achieved through further militarization.

As the Munich Security Conference approaches, from which the BSW and AfD have been excluded, Wagenknecht remarked on the honor of being left out of a gathering she refers to as a meeting of 'sofa warriors' and arms lobbyists.


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