(de-news.net) – Sahra Wagenknecht, founder and current chair of the left-leaning Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), has announced her decision not to seek re-election at the upcoming national party convention scheduled for December in Magdeburg. Despite stepping down from the top leadership role, she intends to remain deeply engaged in shaping the party’s strategic orientation and contributing actively to its future election campaigns.
The leadership of BSW will transition to a dual structure, with Amira Mohamed Ali, the existing co-chair, continuing in her role alongside Fabio De Masi, a Member of the European Parliament. Wagenknecht has endorsed De Masi as her successor, signaling confidence in his ability to guide the party forward. In addition to her ongoing political involvement, Wagenknecht plans to establish and lead a newly formed commission dedicated to the party’s foundational values. This role will ensure her continued participation in both the executive board and the presidium, preserving her influence within the party’s decision-making bodies.
Further internal restructuring includes the reassignment of Christian Leye, currently serving as secretary-general. He is expected to assume the position of deputy chair within an expanded presidium, reflecting broader organizational reforms aimed at strengthening the party’s leadership framework. Mohamed Ali has confirmed this adjustment as part of a comprehensive effort to refine BSW’s internal governance.
BSW was officially launched in early 2024 following Wagenknecht’s departure from Die Linke in late 2023, which came after prolonged internal disputes. Since its inception, the party has experienced rapid growth, securing notable successes in the 2024 European elections and regional contests in East Germany. However, in the federal election, BSW narrowly failed to surpass the five-percent threshold required for parliamentary representation. The party is currently pursuing a recount of the votes, although the outcome remains uncertain. Should BSW gain entry to the Bundestag as a result, Wagenknecht has expressed her intention to lead the party’s parliamentary group.
In parallel with these developments, BSW is considering a rebranding initiative. Discussions are underway to redefine the party’s acronym to stand for “Bündnis Soziale Gerechtigkeit und Wirtschaftliche Vernunft,” emphasizing its commitment to social justice and economic pragmatism. Final decisions regarding both the party’s name and its leadership structure are expected to be made at the December convention.
