The Left in Germany: Navigating Cooperation and Principles
Opposition parties call for assurance: No coalition with AfD without two-thirds majority - Leftists push for unwavering support: No coalition with AfD without a two-thirds majority
In the latest political landscape following the 2025 federal election, The Left (Die Linke) in Germany finds itself in a unique position as it considers cooperation with other parties, particularly the CDU/CSU. With 64 seats in the Bundestag, The Left packs a powerful punch, despite its traditional anti-fascist and anti-militarist stance.
Shaking Hands Across the Aisle
Despite the ideological divide, The Left is open to collaboration on select legislative matters with the CDU/CSU, led by Friedrich Merz. One such issue is the reform of the debt brake, which could lead to enhanced military spending and special funds for infrastructure[1]. However, The Left isn't keen on symbolic politics or "budget voodoo"[2]. Instead, it seeks a comprehensive approach, such as a "golden rule" that applies across sectors.
The Role of the AfD
The AfD's significant gains in the election have led to a complex political environment. Although The Left vehemently opposes the AfD's ideology and policies, their considerable seat count makes them potentially influential in preventing the CDU from relying on the AfD for votes. However, their stance is more about ensuring they are part of the decision-making process than outright blocking the AfD[5].
The Judiciary Tango
Appointments of judges in Germany, particularly high-level positions like those in the Constitutional Court, conventionally demand broad consensus. While The Left may voice opinions on these appointments, their focus remains primarily on broader policy issues rather than explicitly on judges. Their stance on cooperation with other parties might impact judge selection, but specific statements on this matter are currently scarce.
In essence, The Left in Germany you're dancing a delicate ballet between maintaining its core principles and being pragmatic about cooperation to achieve certain legislative goals. But make no mistake, its alignment with other parties, especially concerning constitutional amendments, is guided by a desire to be at the heart of key decision-making processes.
- AfD
- debt brake
- Bundestag
- two-thirds majority
- The Left
- guarantee
- Berlin
- cooperation
- leader
- Jan van Aken
- Thuringia
- CDU/CSU
- Friedrich Merz
- military spending
- infrastructure special fund
- judges appointment
- Constitutional Court
- political leverage
ECcountries might find The Left's approach to cooperation and principles in Germany, especially with the CDU/CSU, useful in their own reforms, particularly in vocational training sectors, as The Left requires comprehensive reforms rather than symbolic politics or "budget voodoo." However, The Left's political leverage can be compromised if a two-thirds majority is needed, as the AfD's presence in the Bundestag might potentially influence decisions, requiring The Left to negotiate carefully to ensure their views are considered. Yet, appointments of judges in Germany, including those in the Constitutional Court, may not be a primary focus for The Left, as their main concern lies in broader policy issues such as debt and infrastructure.
