Germany's BSW: A New Populist Party Challenges the Far-Right AfD

Led by Former Left Party Leader Sahra Wagenknecht

BSW Surprises with Strong Showing in EU Elections

In a surprising turn of events, Germany's newly formed BSW (Bridges for a Social and Sovereign Fatherland) party has emerged as a formidable challenger to the far-right AfD in the 2024 EU elections. Led by former Left Party leader Sahra Wagenknecht, the BSW has captured over six percent of the vote in its debut election.

Wagenknecht has long been a polarizing figure, criticized for alleged ties to the AfD and courted by the far right. However, since founding the BSW, she has taken a more moderate stance, criticizing both the far right and the establishment parties.

In her bestselling book "The Self-Righteous," Wagenknecht accused her former party, Die Linke, of becoming "a sect of dogmatic ideologues." She has vowed to create a "social and sovereign" Germany, one that is strong, independent, and focused on the needs of its citizens.

The BSW's success is a sign of growing dissatisfaction with the status quo among German voters. With two major populist forces now vying for support in the upcoming German elections, the political landscape is set to become even more turbulent in the years to come.