After the parliamentary vote, Ramelow's persistent push continues.
Despite the election results on Sunday, the Left is determined to push for a third free Kindergarten year in Thuringia. Bodo Ramelow, the Minister President and Leading candidate for the Left, believes that the financing of Kindergartens needs a revision, with the financial burden shared between the state and municipalities. Under his proposed plan, parents would no longer be required to foot the bill for childcare. This free Kindergarten year forms part of a series of initiatives the Left leadership introduced post-election, with the ultimate goal of making childcare and education entirely free in Thuringia.
The Left stands firm on housing project commitments
Ulrike Grosse-Röthig, Chairwoman of the Left, reassured the public that despite the election outcomes, their party, which has governed Thuringia for ten years, would continue to work diligently in the state parliament. Ramelow acknowledged that while the Left held a majority of decisions in the red-red-green minority government, some projects were left unrealized. He advocated for the democratic parties in Thuringia to form a stable majority government after the election, ensuring project implementation.
Among the Left's to-do list is the establishment of a state-owned housing construction company responsible for constructing approximately 1,500 cost-effective rental apartments by 2023. There's also a plan to reintroduce legislation to discourage large investment companies from buying vast farmlands.
The Left's focus on social issues extends beyond Kindergartens; they also plan to implement an Election to the Landtag manifesto, which includes establishing a state-owned housing construction company to build 1,500 affordable rental apartments by 2023. Regardless of election outcomes, the Left remains committed to this housing project.
Additional Insights
Die Linke advocates for several educational reforms, including free lunches in kindergartens and schools, and both free and paid childcare centers from the first year onwards. They also emphasize affordable housing as a central social issue, proposing significant tax reforms, rental caps, and the expropriation of large real estate companies.
