The Left
A clear guide to The Left (Die Linke) in Germany: its history, democratic socialism ideology, leadership, and where it stands on the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.
Overview
- Country
- Germany
- Founded
- 2007
- Position
- Left-wing
- Leader
- Ines Schwerdtner and Luigi Pantisano
- Headquarters
- Berlin
The Left (Die Linke) is a democratic socialist party focused on social justice, affordable housing and opposition to militarism. It recovered sharply in the 2025 election, winning 8.8 percent, and was the most popular party among voters under 25. Its co-chairs since June 2026 are Ines Schwerdtner and Luigi Pantisano, and its Bundestag group is led by Heidi Reichinnek and Sören Pellmann.
History
The party was formed in 2007 by merging the PDS, the successor to East Germany's ruling Socialist Unity Party, with the western WASG, a group of trade unionists and former Social Democrats who opposed the Agenda 2010 reforms. It was long strongest in the east, where Bodo Ramelow led Thuringia's state government from 2014 to 2024.
It declined in the early 2020s, and in 2023 Sahra Wagenknecht and her supporters left to form their own party. Under a new leadership and with a campaign focused on rents and living costs, it made a surprise comeback in 2025.
Economic Policy
The Left calls for a nationwide rent cap, a higher minimum wage, wealth taxes, higher taxes on top incomes and expansion of public services and pensions.
Foreign Policy
The Left opposes arms exports and increased military spending, and is critical of NATO. It is a founding member of the Party of the European Left.
Where They Stand
- Calls for a nationwide rent cap
- Supports wealth taxes and higher taxes on top incomes
- Favours a higher minimum wage and stronger pensions
- Opposes arms exports and increased military spending
- Supports an open and humane refugee policy
Electoral Record
The Left won 4.9 percent in 2021, entering the Bundestag only through direct mandates, and 8.8 percent and 64 seats in 2025. It takes part in state governments in Bremen and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Position on the Political Compass
The Left sits on the left-leaning side on economics and is more libertarian 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
Gregor Gysi
Long-time parliamentary leader
A leading figure of the party since its PDS days.
Bodo Ramelow
Minister-President of Thuringia, 2014 to 2024
The party's only state premier.
Heidi Reichinnek
Bundestag group co-leader
A prominent campaigner credited with the party's 2025 surge among young voters.
Sources and Further Reading
- Die Linke (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitedie-linke.de
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Germany political test to see how your views compare with The Left and the other parties.
Take the Germany Test
Social Policy
The party is socially progressive, supporting LGBT rights, an open refugee policy and anti-racism measures.