The Left party in Germany is recalibrating its strategy ahead of the 2026 federal elections, aiming to regain lost ground and counter the surging influence of the far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AfD). Following intensive consultations amongst its leadership, the party has announced a renewed focus on four core policy pillars: affordability of living, rent control, staunch opposition to militarization and mandatory military service and a bolstering of the party’s organizational strength across the nation.
Party co-leader Ines Schwerdtner underscored the severity of the current political climate, labeling upcoming state elections, particularly in eastern Germany, as a “critical test” for the party’s antifascist approach. The internal discussions, she stated, centered on how best to address the “political shift to the right” and the perceived gains made by the AfD. Jan van Aken, also a co-leader, elaborated on the ambition to not only mobilize existing Left voters but to actively engage those disillusioned with mainstream politics. Affordability, he argued, represents a unifying theme capable of connecting with a broad spectrum of potential supporters.
The party’s plan includes a significant expansion of their existing rent control campaign, framed as a direct challenge to what they describe as a “brazen rent-gouging industry”. This proposed offensive aims to capitalize on growing public frustration regarding housing costs, potentially attracting support from those who feel excluded from the economic recovery.
Furthermore, The Left is intensifying its opposition to any moves towards reintroducing mandatory military service and actively campaigning against what it views as the increasing militarization of German society. This stance, traditionally a cornerstone of the party’s platform, is intended to resonate with pacifist and anti-war sentiment.
The immediate focus, however, rests on the upcoming state elections in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. The Left is targeting a return to these state legislatures, viewing them as crucial opportunities to build what they term “social opposition” and create “beacon institutions” demonstrating an alternative political direction. The success of this strategy will be crucial to the party’s broader efforts to navigate Germany’s increasingly polarized political landscape and counter the narrative being pushed by the AfD. Critics are likely to question whether this narrow focus – especially the emphasis on anti-militarization – will broaden the party’s appeal beyond its traditional base.
