CDU's Günther demands resignation of new Left co-leader Pantisano after he called CDU 'fascist'

The controversial statement

Luigi Pantisano, a Bundestag member from Stuttgart, was elected co-leader of Die Linke at the party congress in Potsdam on the weekend. Hours before the vote, he told Bild newspaper there was "gerade gar keinen Unterschied zwischen der CDU, die faschistische Politik macht, der AfD oder den Faschisten selbst" (currently no difference between the CDU, which makes fascist politics, the AfD, or the fascists themselves). He later called the formulation "verkürzt" (oversimplified), explaining that parties like the CDU adopt AfD policies and thereby strengthen the far right.

It is secondary whether the same inhumane policy is made by another party or by the AfD itself.

Günther's sharp response

Daniel Günther, the CDU Minister President of Schleswig-Holstein, reacted with a direct call for Pantisano to leave politics. "Wer die CDU mit Faschisten und der AfD gleichsetzt, hat sich für jeden ernsthaften demokratischen Austausch disqualifiziert," he told dpa. He called the comparison "geschichtsvergessen" (forgetful of history) and said someone like Pantisano could not be a contact for democrats.

Such a person should leave politics as quickly as possible.

CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann also expressed outrage. Günther had previously advocated a pragmatic approach toward the Left party, drawing internal criticism; his sharp words now mark a notable hardening.

Internal party fallout

Pantisano's remarks also caused irritation within his own party. He was elected co-leader with only 53 percent of delegate votes, a weak result for an uncontested candidate. Co-leader Ines Schwerdtner, re-elected with 86 percent, said Pantisano would have to prove himself, not only in the party but also in society. Several Left politicians from eastern states, including Eva von Angern in Saxony-Anhalt and Hennis Herbst in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, voiced unease. Parliamentary group leader Heidi Reichinnek stressed the goal was to achieve improvements for people, adding "we can do that in all roles."

Luigi Pantisano will have to prove himself. Not only in his own party, but also in society.

Election context

The dispute comes months before state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where the AfD leads in polls. Unusual alliances between the CDU and Left had been floated as a way to keep the far right from power. Pantisano himself had earlier spoken in favour of possible coalitions with the CDU at state level to prevent an AfD government.

Günther's demand for Pantisano's resignation and the internal Left criticism now strain those prospects, complicating the already fragile arithmetic of anti-AfD cooperation in eastern Germany.