The Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) party is preparing for the state parliament (Landtag) election in Saxony-Anhalt, scheduled for June. During a party convention in Magdeburg, the party approved its state list and began discussions on its election platform. Key topics of debate include defense policy, including the potential reintroduction of compulsory military service, and energy policy. The party, formed from a split within The Left, is seeking to establish itself as a new political force.

Preparations for state election

BSW has finalized its candidate list for the upcoming state parliament (Landtag) election in Saxony-Anhalt. The party convention in Magdeburg approved the candidates, marking a formal step ahead of the election campaign scheduled for June.

Debate on election platform

The party has begun an internal debate on the shape of its election platform. Among the key topics are controversial issues such as the potential reintroduction of universal military service and the future of Germany's energy policy.

New force on the political scene

BSW, a party founded by Sahra Wagenknecht and former politicians from The Left, is trying to consolidate its position ahead of the first major election in which it is participating. Success in Saxony-Anhalt is important for its further ambitions at the federal level.

The Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) party is preparing for the June state parliament (Landtag) election in Saxony-Anhalt. During a party convention in Magdeburg, the official state list was approved, a key step in pre-election preparations. Simultaneously, intensive work is underway on the election platform, which is to be presented to voters. Internal party discussion focuses on several key policy areas. One of the most controversial topics is defense policy. The platform is considering, among other things, the reintroduction of universal military service. This idea evokes mixed feelings both in society and within the party itself, reflecting a broader debate in Germany about security following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The second pillar of the debate is energy policy. BSW must define its stance on the energy transition, phasing out coal, and the development of renewable energy sources, which is of particular importance for regions like Saxony-Anhalt. The Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht is a political party founded in 2024 by former members of The Left, Sahra Wagenknecht and Amira Mohamed Ali. It emerged from a wave of dissatisfaction with the direction of the traditional left and presents a platform combining social elements with a more skeptical stance on migration and climate policy. The June 2026 election in Saxony-Anhalt will be one of the first major electoral tests for this new formation.The party, which is still building its structures and recognition, is trying to develop a coherent and attractive offer for voters. Success or failure in this election will impact its credibility and chances in future federal-level elections. Current polls indicate that BSW has a chance of surpassing the five percent electoral threshold and entering the state parliament, which would be a significant achievement for the new party. The final platform and campaign strategy are to be announced in the coming weeks.

Mentioned People

  • Sahra Wagenknecht — Founder and leader of the Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) party.