Gerhard Trabert, a member of the German Parliament for the Left Party (Die Linke), is stepping down from his seat due to health reasons, the party announced Tuesday. According to a statement released by Die Linke, citing Trabert’s family, the physician has suffered multiple severe strokes, precluding a return to his previous life and responsibilities.
The co-chairs of Die Linke, Ines Schwerdtner and Jan van Aken, expressed gratitude for Trabert’s commitment and service. They lauded him as a respected figure, stating, “We remain proud and thankful that Gerhard Trabert ran with us in the federal election. As a ‘doctor for the poor,’ he is a moral and professional authority”. They added that he would have been a powerful advocate in parliament for healthcare policies focused on equitable access to care, irrespective of socioeconomic status.
Lin Lindner of Trier will succeed Trabert in the Bundestag. Lindner identifies as trans and non-binary. Schwerdtner and van Aken welcomed Lindner’s arrival, noting that they represent a strong, young voice committed to combating poverty and discrimination. They also highlighted Lindner’s representation of a segment of the population often overlooked, referencing recent comments made by Julia Klöckner, a prominent figure in the Christian Democratic Union.
