Germany's populist left offers cooperation with far right to break 'firewall'

The left-wing populist party Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) has signaled its readiness to work with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in two upcoming eastern state elections, aiming to undermine the political establishment that both parties oppose. In a letter sent to AfD leaders on June 26, BSW criticized the so-called 'firewall' that prevents other parties from cooperating with the AfD, calling it undemocratic and ineffective.

BSW co-chair Fabio De Masi argued that the current approach of blocking the AfD could ultimately lead to the far-right party winning absolute majorities, which would allow it to govern without constraints. Instead, BSW proposes a 'third way' where regional governments would be led by nonpartisan premiers and operate through shifting alliances.

The offer comes as BSW struggles to gain traction after failing to enter the federal parliament in last year's snap election, winning just under 5% of the vote. The party, founded by former Die Linke member Sahra Wagenknecht in 2024, blends left-wing economic policies with anti-immigration stances and a pro-Russian foreign policy, mirroring some AfD positions.

In the eastern states of Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where elections are set for September, both parties appeal to voters disillusioned with centrist parties. The AfD currently leads in polls, and BSW hovers near the 5% threshold needed to enter state parliaments.

BSW also proposed a series of public debates between Wagenknecht and AfD co-leader Alice Weidel, bypassing public television, which they accuse of bias. The AfD's spokesperson Daniel Tapp rejected the debate offer but indicated willingness to talk if BSW clears the electoral threshold.

However, political scientist Benjamin Höhne from the University of Chemnitz expressed skepticism, suggesting that BSW's move is a desperate attempt to gain media attention and that AfD voters are unlikely to switch allegiance.