Ines Schwerdtner and Luigi Pantisano have been named the new co-leadership of The Left Party.
Pantisano’s ascension was a polarizing event at the party conference in Potsdam on Saturday, where he secured only about 53 percent of the vote, resulting in a decidedly lukewarm reception. He takes over the role previously held by Jan van Aken, who stepped down due to health reasons. Schwerdtner, running for the ticket reserved for women, confirmed her position with a result of roughly 86 percent. This outcome marks a clear increase for her; in 2024, she first came into office with about 80 percent support. Neither Schwerdtner nor Luigi faced any opposition candidates.
Over the three-day conference in Potsdam, the party intends to clarify its strategic path, particularly in light of the upcoming regional elections in the eastern German states, where The Left Party could play a crucial role in forming governments. Divides exist within the party on several key issues, most notably regarding relations with Israel. However, a consensus was reached on this issue during the conference: The Left Party will officially classify Israel’s actions in the Gaza War as genocide.
