From Wagon to Wagon: Wagenknecht Draws Parallels Between 2024 and '89 Germany
Sahra Wagenknecht, the fiery German politician, hasn't held back her criticism of the federal government. In the heart of Dresden, just before the state elections in Saxony and Thuringia, she delivered a scathing critique, likening the current political climate to the end of East Germany. "Those who lived through the end of East Germany are getting flashbacks," she declared, "The inability of those in power to tackle problems, loss of vision, and a future plan - it all feels eerily familiar."
Wagenknecht acknowledged that the Federal Republic is not a carbon copy of East Germany. However, she cited the enormous chasm between the governing body and the populace in terms of political beliefs and cultural distance. This, she said, had sparked reminders of a time long past, for many East Germans. "Whether it's foreign policy, immigration, or energy policy, it seems as though the government is residing in an entirely different universe."
The state elections in Saxony and Thuringia, set for this Sunday, hold far more weight than typical elections, according to Wagenknecht. The failure of the traffic light coalition, a term loosely referring to the government's policies, to secure seats in the state parliaments might spell doom for "business as usual" in the Berlin government district.
Wagenknecht attributed the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which includes extremist right-wing and Nazi elements, to the established parties' faults. She sees the Alliance for Progress (BSW) as a force for change. The BSW, she believes, can curb unrestricted immigration without targeting law-abiding immigrants contributing positively to society.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Wagenknecht offered a Sisyphean solution. "This war is a crime. A ceasefire must be sought," she stated, yet she expressed concern over delivering more weapons as a solution.
Sabine Zimmermann, a former Left Bundestag member, is running as the top candidate for the BSW in Saxony. With potential values as high as 15%, the BSW could potentially influence the Saxony government.
"During my Dresden speech, I felt a sense of déjà vu," revealed Wagenknecht. She further implied that if the traffic light parties fail to secure seats in the state parliaments, political instability akin to the Netherlands, known for its direct democracy and active political participation, could ensue.
And now, a dash of context, a spoonful of facts:
Wagenknecht's comparison of the current political climate in Germany to the end of East Germany is grounded in her observation of the increase in far-right parties and the rising discontent among the working class. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged to a record 20.8% in the 2025 federal election and saw an increase in representation in parliament.
A climate of heightened polarization and widespread protests against center-right parties like the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is reminiscent of the tensions leading up to the end of East Germany. Economically disadvantaged Germans are turning to the AfD due to a perceived lack of representation.
This shift in the political landscape, with a significant increase in right-wing sentiments, could have substantial impacts on the country, potentially leading to increased instability and challenges for traditional parties.
