The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) concluded a key party conference in Magdeburg, selecting the leaders of its electoral list for the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament (Landtag). Thomas Schulze and John Wittig will lead the party in the upcoming elections. The party adopted a controversial program, which includes the reinstatement of mandatory military service and a return to importing cheap energy from Russia, positioning itself as an alternative to the current policies of the federal and state governments.

BSW's new leadership duo

Thomas Schulze and John Wittig were selected for the top spots on the electoral list following an intense debate among delegates.

Call to resume Russian energy imports

The party demands the resumption of energy resource imports from Russia to protect local industry.

Reactivation of military service

The electoral program proposes reinstating mandatory military service, a move stirring emotions on the German political scene.

The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) in Saxony-Anhalt has made key personnel and programmatic decisions ahead of the upcoming state parliament elections. During the party conference in Magdeburg, delegates selected the duo of leaders who will spearhead the party's campaign for seats in the state legislature. Thomas Schulze was placed at the top of the list, securing 84.5 percent of the vote, although his candidacy was the subject of an intense, nearly hour-and-a-half-long internal debate. The second spot on the list went to John Wittig, who received support at 89.7 percent, completing the campaign's core leadership team. These selections are a significant step in building the party's structures as it seeks to attract voters disillusioned with traditional parties.

The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance was formed as a breakaway from the Die Linke party, which continues the traditions of the East German SED that dominated GDR politics for decades. The new party combines social policies with social conservatism and skepticism towards Germany's military engagements.

The electoral program adopted by BSW in Saxony-Anhalt includes proposals that have sparked broad controversy on the German political scene. The party advocates for the reinstatement of mandatory military service, marking a clear shift towards strengthening national defense while maintaining pacifist rhetoric in foreign policy. An equally significant element of the program is the call to resume importing cheap energy from Russia. BSW activists argue this is essential to save local industry and protect households from rising living costs, aligning with the party's broader strategy of criticizing sanctions imposed on Moscow.

The selection of Thomas Schulze as list leader was not without friction, revealing internal divisions within the young party. Critics pointed to the need for greater transparency and diversity in the candidate selection process, but Schulze ultimately convinced a decisive majority of delegates. The party is focusing on economic pragmatism, combined with a call for an energy transition that considers the interests of the poorest. Electoral success in Saxony-Anhalt is intended to confirm BSW's growing role as a third political force in eastern German states, capable of challenging both the Christian Democrats and the far-right.

BSW List Leaders in Saxony-Anhalt: 1. Thomas Schulze (84.5% of votes); 2. John Wittig (89.7% of votes)

Mentioned People

  • Thomas Schulze — Lead candidate on the BSW electoral list in Saxony-Anhalt.
  • John Wittig — Candidate in second place on the BSW list in Saxony-Anhalt.
  • Sahra Wagenknecht — Founder and leader of the Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht party.