The leader of Germany’s Left Party (Die Linke), Jan van Aken, has staunchly defended recent blockades of events organized by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, while reiterating calls for a renewed examination of a potential AfD ban. In an interview with “Stern” magazine, Van Aken declared the AfD “is not a normal party” justifying the disruptive protests as “absolutely right and justified.
Van Aken’s comments arrive amidst growing debate surrounding the AfD’s increasing prominence and influence within the German political landscape. While acknowledging the importance of adhering to legal frameworks – arguing that laws generally serve to protect the vulnerable – he suggested that exceptions are occasionally necessary. He specifically referenced his past actions as a member of parliament, where he publicly disclosed confidential information related to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations, illustrating his willingness to transgress legal boundaries for what he deemed a greater cause.
The call for a formal review of the AfD’s legality signals a deepening escalation in the political clashes surrounding the party. Van Aken emphasized that Die Linke has been advocating for such an examination “for years” expressing hope that a parliamentary majority will eventually support the move before it is “too late”. This suggests a perceived urgency, driven by concerns over the AfD’s potential to destabilize democratic processes.
In a sign of tactical maneuvering within the complex web of German state politics, Van Aken also left open the possibility of selective cooperation with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in the eastern German state parliaments. This potential alliance would be contingent on the CDU providing a written guarantee to refrain from forming governing coalitions with the AfD. While Van Aken ruled out a broader coalition with the Union at present, he underscored that the paramount objective remains preventing the AfD from gaining positions of power, a goal he vowed the Left Party would pursue relentlessly.
Addressing accusations of populism, Van Aken openly embraced the label, declaring himself “a good populist”. He drew a distinction between Die Linke’s methods and those of the AfD, asserting that his party challenges the establishment “without lying or distorting facts”. Van Aken also voiced strong opposition to extreme wealth inequality, stating his belief that “there should be no billionaires” highlighting a core tenet of the Left Party’s increasingly vocal critique of economic structures. His stance reveals a desire to connect with a broader electorate disillusioned by traditional political solutions and increasingly concerned about economic fairness.
