Left Party politician Luigi Pantisano expressed his hopes for securing more than a 70 percent vote in his run for party chairman scheduled for Saturday. He stated to the “Rheinische Post” on Friday that he would be extremely satisfied with a result exceeding 70 percent, but if the number fell short, it would signal that he needs to continue building trust in the coming months. While there may be other candidates, he indicated he could not yet comment on their potential, stressing that the process is democratic, and he has heard nothing so far.
In connection with the party, which is convening its three-day federal conference in Potsdam on Friday, Pantisano reaffirmed the party’s demand to “abolish billionaires.” His proposed strategy involves organizing workers to jointly challenge the ultra-wealthy. He emphasized that the Left Party will fight against planned social reforms and seeks to halt the exploitation of working people while finally addressing the wealth of the rich.
As key priorities for the party leadership, Pantisano highlighted efforts to attract more workers to the Left Party, alongside a plan to save industrial jobs. He stressed the importance of making life affordable and securing jobs overall, while insisting that rent policy remains central, maintaining the demand for a rent cap.
Addressing why the Left Party fails to engage disaffected voters who support the AfD, Pantisano conceded that the party has not succeeded in systematically entering workplaces and companies. He argued that the party must reorganize to listen better and learn directly from workers in businesses. He stated that the AfD poses the greatest threat to the prosperity of the working class.
Regarding potential cooperation with the CDU following the state elections in the East, Pantisano argued against a coalition with the CDU as the correct path forward. However, he acknowledged that other possibilities, such as those seen in Thuringia and Saxony, should be discussed and decided upon collectively by the party. Crucially, he emphasized that the Left Party must achieve a strong result to prevent the AfD from gaining any form of power.
Pantisano denied that there is a specific antisemitism problem within the party. He stated that antisemitism, unfortunately, exists across all social strata and groups. He expressed pride that the Left Party creates a safe space where events since October 7th can be discussed, while simultaneously drawing clear boundaries: antisemitism and anti-Muslim racism have no place in the party. On the issue of antisemitic slogans among the Left Youth, he noted that they have distanced themselves from the current events and expects leadership to proactively suppress such behavior in the future.
Looking at internal financial matters, Pantisano announced an upcoming debate on limiting parliamentary allowances. He noted that the federal party conference has already adopted a foundational resolution to introduce a salary cap, and he personally adheres to a capped salary model in his regional association, strongly advocating for a uniform regulation.
Pantisano, who would be the first Left Party head of migrant background, stressed that he contributes his migrant perspective not in an identity politics sense, but as fundamental life experience. His parents were Italian migrant workers who labored hard their entire lives. He himself has a high school diploma. The pride his parents took in providing a better future for him and his three brothers through hard work taught him the importance of the struggle.
