Three smaller German parties, the Free Democrats (FDP), Die Linke or The Left, and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), are hoping to secure a spot in the Bundestag in Sunday’s elections, needing to win more than 5% of total votes or at least three direct mandates in individual constituencies. The FDP, which was part of the failed ruling coalition, has been polling between 4% and 5%. Die Linke has seen a drop in popularity, while the BSW, only founded this year, received 6.2% of votes in the European election but has been losing popularity during the national campaign.
Christoph Meyer of the FDP highlights the need for structural reforms to address the country’s loss of competitiveness over the past 15 years. Ines Schwerdtner of The Left emphasizes the party’s focus on capping rents and lowering everyday costs, while Oliver Ruhnert of the BSW stresses the party’s commitment to diplomacy, peace, and addressing domestic inequalities. The parties discuss their goals if they reach or exceed the 5% threshold, with each party focused on different priorities such as economic reforms, social justice, and peace initiatives.
When asked about potential coalitions, Meyer expresses interest in cooperating with the CDU, while Schwerdtner mentions a possible “Germany coalition” with the SPD as a third partner. Ruhnert states that while the BSW is different from other parties, they would not refuse government responsibility if necessary, as long as key parameters align. If a party fails to clear the 5% threshold, the responders express confidence in their party’s ability to do so and highlight ongoing initiatives to support the people and bring about change.
The party members outline their key reasons for voting for their respective parties, including economic progress and tax justice for the FDP, social justice and opposition to the far right for The Left, and domestic improvements and peace initiatives for the BSW. They emphasize the importance of addressing key issues such as tax justice, energy costs, education, infrastructure, and foreign policy, as well as creating unity and taking citizens’ concerns seriously. The parties stress the need for pragmatic, rule-based solutions that help people and differentiate themselves from the AfD.
In conclusion, the parties share their final thoughts, with Meyer expressing confidence in their current momentum, Schwerdtner highlighting the party’s record number of members and commitment to standing against the far right, and Ruhnert emphasizing the need for practical, rule-based solutions to address key problems and prevent the AfD from gaining further strength. The parties are focused on their respective goals and priorities, with each aiming to secure a spot in the Bundestag and bring about positive change for the German people.
