This party, formed in early 2024, calls for a cessation of support for Ukraine in forming a coalition in the three eastern territories.
As noted by Reuters, members of the Wagenknecht party insist that potential allies adopt their anti-war stance as a condition for forming coalitions. This demand significantly impacts the pro-Ukrainian consensus in Germany, which is already facing challenges amid growing public dissatisfaction with the prolonged conflict.
The Brandenburg branch of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) has already signed a joint statement with BSW, asserting that “the war will not end with further weapon supplies.” This phrasing has sparked a strong reaction in Berlin and within the SPD.
The BSW party also criticizes the potential deployment of American long-range missiles in Germany. Against this stance, Green Party MP Agnieszka Brugger has accused the SPD of succumbing to the “populist course” of Wagenknecht, stating that the withdrawal of support for Ukraine is a false path to peace that jeopardizes the security of Germany and its allies.
The position of BSW is gaining traction amid declining public support for Ukraine. Some experts believe that Russia's successes on the battlefield and political changes in the U.S. may further amplify skepticism regarding military support for Ukraine. Political scientist Stefan Marshall points out that the Wagenknecht Alliance is strengthening pro-Russian sentiments within the SPD, where support for pro-Russian policies has traditionally persisted.
The situation has intensified after the SPD appointed Matthias Mirsch as Secretary-General, who, according to analysts, is facilitating the rehabilitation of former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder—a well-known pro-Russian politician and business partner of Gazprom. This further complicates matters for Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who will need to navigate internal contradictions while maintaining international solidarity with Ukraine.
Source: reuters .