BSW – Alliance for Social Justice and Economic Reason
A clear guide to BSW – Alliance for Social Justice and Economic Reason (BSW) in Germany: its history, left-conservatism ideology, leadership, and where it stands on the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.
Overview
- Country
- Germany
- Founded
- 2024
- Position
- Left-wing (socially conservative)
- Leader
- Amira Mohamed Ali and Fabio De Masi
- Headquarters
- Berlin
The BSW was founded in January 2024 by Sahra Wagenknecht as the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance. In October 2026 it renamed itself the Alliance for Social Justice and Economic Reason, keeping the BSW initials. It combines left-wing economic policies with conservative positions on migration and culture, and criticises military support for Ukraine. Amira Mohamed Ali and Fabio De Masi chair the party.
History
Wagenknecht and several fellow MPs left The Left in late 2023 to found the party. In its first year it won about 6 percent in the 2024 European election and between 11 and 16 percent in state elections in Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg, joining state governments in Thuringia and Brandenburg.
It narrowly missed the 5 percent threshold in the 2025 federal election, winning 4.97 percent. Its state coalitions then broke apart: in Brandenburg in January 2026 and in Thuringia in September 2026, when most of its state MPs left the party.
Economic Policy
The BSW favours a higher minimum wage, stronger pensions, protection for small and medium-sized businesses and cheaper energy, including a return to Russian gas.
Foreign Policy
The BSW opposes arms deliveries to Ukraine and calls for negotiations with Russia. It is sceptical of the EU and critical of the United States, and opposes the stationing of US missiles in Germany.
Where They Stand
- Opposes arms deliveries to Ukraine and calls for talks with Russia
- Seeks stricter limits on immigration
- Supports a higher minimum wage and stronger pensions
- Wants cheaper energy, including a return to Russian gas
- Is sceptical of the EU and of green policies
Electoral Record
The BSW won about 6 percent in the 2024 European election and 4.97 percent in the 2025 federal election, leaving it outside the Bundestag.
Position on the Political Compass
BSW – Alliance for Social Justice and Economic Reason sits on the left-leaning side on economics and is moderate on questions of social freedom and authority.
These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.
Key Figures
Sahra Wagenknecht
Founder
A former Left Party leader and the party's central figure.
Amira Mohamed Ali
Co-chair
A former leader of The Left's Bundestag group.
Fabio De Masi
Co-chair
A financial policy expert and Member of the European Parliament.
Sources and Further Reading
- Alliance for Social Justice and Economic Reason (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitebsw-vg.de
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Germany political test to see how your views compare with BSW – Alliance for Social Justice and Economic Reason and the other parties.
Take the Germany Test
Social Policy
The party is socially conservative by left-wing standards. It calls for much stricter limits on immigration and is critical of green policies and identity politics.