EU Plans Expansion of Cross-Continental Eco-Protection Ventures
In the Bundestag, the Left party's chairwoman, Heidi Reichinnek, has criticized the CDU/CSU for clinging to an incompatibility resolution that hinders cooperation with her party. In a recent interview on Phoenix's podcast "unter 3," Reichinnek highlighted the absurdity of the Union's continued adherence to this resolution, as she believes it is no longer applicable in practice.
Reichinnek expressed a desire for cooperation with the CDU/CSU, particularly in the upcoming judicial elections and the debt brake reform. However, she emphasized that her party would require a say in these matters, demanding a right to co-determination in the Bundestag for their approval of the law. The Left party aims to find common ground with all democratic forces for the betterment of citizens, although cooperation with the Union may be uncommon.
The Left party has moved past the old system in the eastern federal states, a transition that the CDU and FDP have yet to accomplish. Reichinnek criticized these parties for welcoming former SED cadres in their ranks in the east, which she deemed hypocritical.
In terms of opposition, the Left party intends to form a powerful force but will not collaborate with the AfD, an extreme right-wing party. Reichinnek asserted that the government should be prepared to agree to a committee setup in questions affecting everyone, should an investigative committee be necessary.
While specific details about Reichinnek's views were not found, the Left party is estimated to maintain its opposition to the AfD and remain critical of the CDU/CSU's policies due to their historical political stances. In the 2025 German federal election, the Left party unexpectedly improved its standing, rising to 9% of the vote, indicating their positioning as a distinct voice within the opposition instead of aligning with the new government.
The Left party, under Heidi Reichinnek's leadership, has advocated for cooperation with the CDU/CSU, especially in policy-and-legislation areas such as the upcoming judicial elections and the debt brake reform, while insisting on a right to co-determination in the Bundestag for their approval of the law. In broader political matters, the party is part of the general-news landscape, aiming to collaborate with other democratic forces, albeit finding common ground with the Union may be uncommon due to historical differences.
