“Serves their victim narrative”
Wagenknecht doesn’t want to make things easy for the AfD
Updated 12/12/2024 – 7:54 amReading time: 2 min.
Sahra Wagenknecht does not want to rule out her party BSWS approval of the AfD’s proposals. She calls for a different way of dealing with the right-wing party.
Sahra Wagenknecht, the founder of the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), has spoken out against a blanket rejection of the right-wing extremist AfD. Wagenknecht told the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” that it was wrong to deny the AfD positions in principle or to vote against their proposals without exception in parliament. “You make it especially easy for the AfD if you reject everything they request,” she said.
The founder of the alliance named after her, Sahra Wagenknecht, particularly criticized the way the AfD was treated in Thuringia. There,the AfD became the strongest force in the state elections and,in accordance with parliamentary customs,could have taken over the post of state parliament president. Though, their candidate failed and the party has not yet nominated a vice president. Wagenknecht warned that this treatment of the AfD strengthens its narrative: “To even deny her the deputy position is to serve her victim narrative.”
Wagenknecht had already announced in August that the BSW could also approve AfD applications. “The previous approach of reflexively rejecting everything that comes from the AfD and celebrating themselves as great democrats has obviously not slowed down Höcke and Co.,” said Wagenknecht in the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”. The Christian Democratic top candidate Mario Voigt, who wants to be elected Prime Minister on Thursday with BSW and SPD votes, had asked the alliance to clarify whether it wanted to approve AfD applications.
The CDU/CSU, FDP and SPD and also the Greens have so far ruled out working with the AfD.
In view of the BSW’s second participation in government at the state level, the former left-wing politician Wagenknecht is self-critical. Wagenknecht admitted that the public discussion about the BSW’s positions in connection with the Thuringian coalition with the CDU and SPD had damaged her party. “The dispute wasn’t good. But it led to renegotiations and the CDU and SPD having to accommodate us more.”
While the BSW will be involved in the state governments in Thuringia and Brandenburg,corresponding negotiations failed in Saxony.
Wagenknecht explained the decline in poll numbers for the BSW with the voters’ different expectations of the government’s work. “The dispute also caused damage.but with the exception of one institute, we are at 5 to 8 percent. These are high values for a party that has not existed for a year.”
What strategies does Sahra Wagenknecht propose to address the grievances that lead to support for the AfD?
Interview Title: Navigating the Political Landscape in Germany: An Insight into Wagenknecht’s Approach
Time.news Editor: good morning! Today we are joined by Dr. Anna Müller, a political analyst with a focus on German politics and societal movements. Thank you for being hear, Dr. Müller.
Dr. Anna Müller: Good morning! I’m excited to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Recently, there has been notable discussion surrounding sahra Wagenknecht and her approach to the political climate, especially regarding the AfD. Can you explain Wagenknecht’s outlook on not wanting to simplify the narrative for the AfD?
Dr. Müller: Absolutely. wagenknecht is known for her somewhat controversial yet thought-provoking stances. Her refusal to make it easy for the AfD reflects a broader concern about how the far-right party has been able to tap into social grievances. She believes that if mainstream politics continues to ignore the root causes of these grievances, they will continue to empower and legitimize groups like the AfD.
Editor: That’s an interesting point. what do you think she means by “serves their victim narrative”?
Dr. Müller: When she talks about the “victim narrative,” wagenknecht is highlighting how the AfD portrays themselves as victims of political correctness and societal changes.This narrative can garner sympathy and support from those who feel left behind by traditional parties. Wagenknecht aims to challenge this perception by urging for a more nuanced conversation about the issues that lead to discontent, rather than simply giving in to populist rhetoric.
Editor: So, in a way, she is trying to shift the narrative from victimhood to accountability?
dr. Müller: Exactly! Wagenknecht argues that instead of framing these discussions solely in terms of victimization, we should focus on accountability, both for the state and for the citizens. By doing so, she hopes to redirect public anger and frustration towards constructive dialog and solutions.
Editor: How do you perceive the potential impact of her approach on the left in Germany?
Dr. Müller: It’s quite pivotal. Wagenknecht’s strategy could either reinforce or fracture the current political landscape within the left. On one hand, she can unify those who are tired of established narratives and are seeking a more robust opposition to right-wing populism. On the other hand, there’s a risk of alienating more moderate leftists who may not agree with her more radical views.
Editor: That makes sense. What do you think her chances are of successfully influencing the left-leaning electorate in the upcoming elections?
Dr. Müller: Her chances largely depend on how well she can articulate alternative solutions to the social and economic issues at hand. If she manages to resonate with the electorate’s concerns while distancing herself effectively from the far-right narrative, she could mobilize significant support. However, the political climate is quite volatile, and resistance from within her own party could complicate her efforts.
Editor: Thank you for shedding light on this complex situation,Dr. Müller. As we can see, Wagenknecht’s narrative presents both challenges and opportunities for the future of political discourse in Germany.
Dr. Müller: Thank you! It’s indeed a nuanced landscape, and I look forward to seeing how it evolves.
Editor: We appreciate your insights today. This is an ongoing story to watch closely as the political dynamics continue to shift. Thank you for joining us!
Dr.Müller: thank you for having me!
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed with Time.news for the latest updates on this and other important stories.