BSW, a party combining elements of hard-left and hard-right politics into an ideology termed “left conservativism” by Wagenknecht, experienced a surge in national polls after its formation, gaining significant support in the former East Germany and securing parliamentary seats in two states.
However, the party lost traction before the federal snap election in February, as Die Linke, Wagenknecht’s former party, gained momentum in the polls. BSW ultimately did not meet the 5 percent threshold needed to enter the Bundestag, falling short by less than 10,000 votes.
The leadership change announcement comes as the party seeks to reduce its dependency on Wagenknecht and expand grassroots support.
Current party co-leader Amira Mohamed Ali will remain, while MEP Fabio De Masi is a top candidate to succeed Wagenknecht. Party leaders are also considering a name change to dissociate the party from Wagenknecht’s name.
BSW politicians continue to advocate for a recount of the February federal election votes in hopes of entering the German parliament, although this is seen as unlikely.
Rasmus Buchsteiner contributed to this report.
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