The Left Party and the Long-Term Developments of the German Party System

Abstract

In mainstream analyses of the German political system, the emergence of the Left Party (Die Linke) is presented as an unexpected consequence of German unification and as an indication of the existence of an East-West divide. This view is for the most part based on the idea that German unification is a process of political integration of the East into the West. Such an understanding, however, downplays the long-term developments in the German party system. This article examines the emergence of the Left Party in light of both the long-term developmental tendencies of the German party system and findings from comparative studies among other West European countries. The article concludes that the main reason for the current political stalemate is the incapability of the postwar Volksparteien to respond to changes in political space and action. Based on evidence from comparative studies, the article also suggests a pragmatic rethinking especially in the SPD is necessary in dealings with the Left Party.

Coalitions and Camps in the German Party System after the 2009 Bundestag Election

“…The SPD's rapprochement toward the Left Party as a possible coalition partner has been made necessary by broader changes in the German fiveparty system in general, 21 but also more acutely by the hegemonic position that the CDU/CSU has gained in this constellation. This likewise represents a noteworthy shift among the parties.…”

The Social Integration of Germany since Unification

“…The merger of the PDS into the Left Party (Die Linke) somewhat diluted the regional representation of eastern Germans and sent a wake-up call to the traditional "people's parties," especially the SPD, to address the new realities of unified Germany. 58 By definition, elections reveal social cleavages, and the 2009 federal elections are no exception. The distribution of votes across political parties changed considerably, suggesting that the German party system is becoming increasingly fragmented.…”

‘Doğu Sorunu’ ve ‘Sosyal Adalet:’ Talebi Bağlamında Alman Radikal Solu ve PDS (1990-2007)

“…Seçim sonuçlarının açık biçimde kanıtladığı üzere, sosyal demokratların ivme kaybına rağmen radikal sol beklediği çıkışı yakalayamadığı gibi, federal barajın altında oy olması nedeniyle doğrudan seçilen 2 vekili dışında Bundestag'a temsilci yollayamamıştır. Bu hezimette işçi sınıfı oylarının kazanılamaması, yaşlanan üye profili ve gençlerin ikna edilememesi gibi nedenlerin yanında, "yaşanan iç tartışmalar ve yönetim başarısızlıkları neticesinde partinin Doğu eyaletlerinde düşüşe geçmesi, Gregor Gysi'nin Berlin eyaleti Ekonomi Bakanlığı'ndan bir skandal yüzünden ayrılması, parti liderliğinin acil çözüm bekleyen sorunlara yanıt verememesi ve ülkede seçim bölgelerinin yeniden çizilmesi" gibi etmenler de rol oynamıştır (Olsen ve Hough, 2007;Elo, 2008).…”