Delegates at the Left Party congress in Potsdam agreed on a declaration on the Gaza war on Friday evening after an emotional debate. For the first time, it officially describes Israel’s actions as “genocide,” according to Spiegel. A more radical motion did not find a majority. The controversy threatens to flare up again on Saturday when the board elections are held.
Jan van Aken’s withdrawal, a new man is being sought for the party leadership. Bundestag member Luigi Pantisano, 46, is aiming for the post. However, it is uncertain how strong his support among delegates is. The party has nearly doubled its membership in a short time, changing the composition of the congress – many newcomers are unpredictable.
Further contentious topics are on the agenda until Sunday, including the salary cap for members of parliament and future government participation. “The outcome of the party congress will also provide an indication of whether the Left Party only wants to amplify people’s anger and where it wants to direct that anger,” say my colleagues Anna Reimann and Marc Röhlig, who are observing the congress for us. “Whether it remains capable of building bridges, whether it can really broaden its electorate and reach ordinary people again will be seen in the upcoming state elections.”
Source: www.spiegel.de
