Sahra Wagenknecht’s Abrupt Absence and BSW’s Mounting Struggles
At an event in the Alte Papierfabrik in Wuppertal, a city overshadowed by Cologne and Düsseldorf, the spotlight was supposed to be on Sahra Wagenknecht. But the leader of the Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) party was a no-show.
Disappointment and Frustration
Outside, protesters from Antifa gathered to demonstrate Wagenknecht’s support for stricter immigration policies alongside Friedrich Merz and the AfD in the Bundestag. Inside, a crowd of approximately 400 attendees eagerly awaited the arrival of the party’s namesake.
Shortly before the event’s commencement, a BSW staff member took to the stage with an apology. Wagenknecht could not attend due to being tied up in Berlin for an important TV appearance. The announcement was met with murmurs and groans.
Lafontaine to the Rescue?
Wagenknecht, the party’s chairwoman, was said to have called Oskar Lafontaine, her husband and a BSW member, to save the evening. Lafontaine arrived minutes later and delivered a rousing speech, condemning the United States and declaring BSW the sole anti-war party.
Conspiracy Theories and Discontent
Despite Lafontaine’s efforts, the disappointment was palpable. Some attendees speculated that the BSW knew about Wagenknecht’s absence in advance. Others expressed frustration at attending their first political rally only to be greeted by a surprise speaker.
Wagenknecht’s Quest for Relevance
The failed event highlighted a recurring issue for BSW: Wagenknecht’s limited presence in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), the most populous region in Germany. Despite leading the party’s NRW electoral list, Wagenknecht did not hold any previous ties to the region.
Shrinking Support and Internal Strife
BSW, which had once hoped for double-digit results in the upcoming federal election, has seen its support dwindle in recent months, with polls indicating that the party may fall short of the 5% threshold for representation in the Bundestag.
Moreover, BSW faces internal conflicts, with members resigning in protest over Wagenknecht’s controversial stances and the party’s authoritarian leadership.
Dropping Popularity and a Personal Crisis
Wagenknecht has warned that the election will determine her political future, hinting that she may not continue in opposition if BSW fails to enter parliament.
The party’s financial struggles and logistical challenges have limited Wagenknecht’s campaign appearances. In NRW, after the cancellation in Wuppertal, only one rally remains scheduled in Bielefeld.
A Strategic Choice or a Lack of Connection?
Wagenknecht’s decision to run in NRW has raised questions about her genuine connection to the state. Critics have accused her of using the region strategically to maximize votes, without establishing any real roots there.
Conclusion
Sahra Wagenknecht’s absence at the Wuppertal event epitomized the mounting challenges facing BSW. The party’s declining support, internal divisions, and Wagenknecht’s own tenuous relationship with NRW cast doubt on its prospects for electoral success. As the election draws near, Wagenknecht and her party find themselves in a precarious position, fighting on multiple fronts and struggling to maintain their relevance in the political landscape.
