Progressives Gaining Momentum: Strength in Numbers and Influence on Policies

Last-Minute Drama: The Left Grapple with Antisemitism and Israel Tensions

The political left appears to be excessively unyielding in their views.

By Hubertus Volmer, Chemnitz

The Left's party conference in Chemnitz should have been the epitome of harmony, yet underlying disputes surged to the surface, leaving bitter aftertastes. Conflicts over antisemitism, Israel, armaments, and Russia were the buzzkill of an otherwise eventful weekend.

The final resolution of the Left's party conference in Chemnitz saw a narrow victory for the dissenters. By a vote of 213 delegates, the Left officially aligns with the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism, defying the opposition of party chief Jan van Aken.

"A tragic resolution," comments Thuringia's Left state parliamentarian Katharina König on Bluesky, "This means the majority has decided that the Left no longer stands for #againstEveryAntisemitism."

The Jerusalem Declaration: A Contentious Choice

The Jerusalem Declaration has stirred controversy, and it's no wonder van Aken opposed the motion. Some experts view the declaration as trivializing antisemitism, while proponents argue that it promotes equality and free speech.

Van Aken insists that compromise reached at last year's conference in Halle serves as a suitable solution to the Middle East conflict. But the motion's proponents contend that clarity is needed to neutralize defamatory accusations against the Left.

Jan van Aken delivers a brief counter-argument, yet further discussion is curtailed due to time constraints. "I'm against ending a scientific debate through a party conference resolution, we can't do that," he says, steering away from delving deeper. Earlier in the conference, delegates honored the memory of the late Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer.

Jerusalem Declaration vs. IHRA: A Tug of Words

Left MEP Özil Demirel-Böhlke firmly opposes van Aken, asserting that there are merely two conflicting definitions: the Jerusalem Declaration and the IHRA. Demirel-Böhlke argues that adhering to IHRA would make any criticism of the Israeli government seem like anti-Semitism, which is controversial but receives strong applause. In the digital vote, 183 delegates follow van Aken's appeal - not quite enough.

Conflicts lie not just in the semantics but in the desire for collaboration. Several delegates wear kuffiyehs to supporting the Palestinian people, drawing concern from within the party.

"It's not about definitions; it's about being able to exonerate individuals and groups from the charge of antisemitism to continue cooperating," writes former MP Martina Renner on Bluesky. The Jerusalem Declaration does not explicitly deny denying Israel's right to exist, causing disputes.

The debate over Israel and the Middle East conflict has been an ongoing issue within the party, and it seems to be drifting further away from Israel. Several high-profile members have already departed the Left party on this issue, including former Berlin Senator for Culture Klaus Lederer. This trend might continue as tensions escalate over the issue.

The Medium is the Message: Antisemitism and the Middle East Conflict

The party executive negotiated a Middle East resolution intended to calm the waters. In essence, it simply acknowledges accusations of genocide in the Gaza Strip. The resolution received a clear majority with the approval of the party executive.

breathtaking visual, as borders become ambiguous. Two days later, the party executive distanced itself from "any call, statement, or visual representation that, under the guise of solidarity with the Palestinian population, negates the existence of Israel or promotes the elimination of Israel."(A more detailed explanation of the controversy surrounding the Jerusalem Declaration and its implications for political discourse is available here.)

Friends or Foes? The Left and Russia

The relationship with Russia remains a delicate issue for the Left. Delegates from various states cited a perceived dogmatism and detachment from reality in dealing with questions of war and peace, particularly regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

While such positions remain in the minority, they became more visible at the conference. The party conference voted unanimously to oppose the reintroduction of conscription and other compulsory services, a move that received significant support.

Dissenting voices emerged, with calls for the resignation of the Left party ministers and senators in Bremen and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. "We are accountable to our class and the people, and we have no responsibility towards a system we reject," one the proposers explained, referencing the rejection of "war credits" and drawing a parallel to 1914.

Despite the strong internal opposition, party leader Ines Schwerdtner countered that the main motion had already addressed this issue. Schwerdtner urged the party not to "set a precedent," a motion that was ultimately rejected with 219 to 192 votes and 39 abstentions.

Overall, the Left's party conference unveiled underlying disputes, creating tensions as the party grapples with divisive issues. While the latest polls suggest the Left is enjoying a resurgence, the party's future success remains a question mark as internal debates continue.

In Chemnitz, the Left party's conference demonstrated a series of disagreements, with conflicts over antisemitism, Israel, armaments, and Russia dominating discussions.
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Despite Jan van Aken's opposition, the Left party officially aligned with the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism, a choice that has stirred controversy within and beyond the party.
The Left party is divided on the relationship with Russia, with some delegates voicing concern over perceived dogmatism and detachment from reality in handling matters of war and peace, particularly concerning the Russian invasion of Ukraine.