The destructive power of love

Spouses Oscar Lafontaine and Sarah Wagenknecht were once the hopes of the political left. Then they became gravediggers.
October 26, 2023
1 min read
The destructive power of love
Lafontaine and Wagenknecht 2018 in Berlin Photo: Britta Pedersen / picture alliance / dpa

Der Spiegel: Oskar Lafontaine and Sahra Wagenknecht, once the hope of Germany’s political Left, have transitioned into its disruptors. Married since 2014, their intricate relationship seems to reflect their complex impact on the left-wing politics in Germany. They have been pivotal figures in the formation and dissolution of left-wing parties, such as the WASG and Die Linke, underscoring an internal struggle within the Left that has left it weakened and fragmented. While both have criticized the contemporary Left, they have not been vocal about their own role in its downfall.

Lafontaine, with a long history in politics, has influenced Wagenknecht, who has recently formed a new party. Wagenknecht’s new party seeks to occupy a “middle ground,” reflecting her view that the terms “left” and “right” are losing relevance. She argues that “left” today is a politics that only resonates with the well-off, not the broader population.

Despite the significant age difference between them, Wagenknecht’s will for power and change is her own, although Lafontaine’s guidance seems evident. Their shared past and visions are deeply entwined, leaving one to ponder how the complex alchemy of their love has both fueled and fragmented the political ideology they once aimed to uphold.

The entire article can be read at the link https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/oskar-lafontaine-und-sahra-wagenknecht-die-destruktive-kraft-der-liebe-a-a02a5654-117e-453f-a885-516ece01efab

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