
How does the Left leadership deal with anti-Semitic attacks in their own party? SPIEGEL asked.
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SPIEGEL asked the Left Party leadership about anti-Semitic incidents within their own ranks.
Party under pressure How the leadership of the Left answers questions about anti-Semitism - and where they avoid it
How does the Left leadership deal with anti-Semitic attacks in their own party? SPIEGEL asked. There are strong condemnations. But the consequences? Unclear.
By Anna Reimann and Marc Röhlig
October 9, 2026, 10:38 a.m

Former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder came under sharp criticism after attending Vladimir Putin's 74th birthday in Moscow. Politicians from the CDU, Greens and FDP condemned the trip as a disgrace and betrayal, while the SPD called for differentiation.

According to Transport Minister Steffen Bilger, learner drivers could save up to 1,000 euros through planned reforms such as fewer compulsory journeys, a reduced list of questions and online theory lessons. While the ADAC supports the plans, driving instructors criticize possible losses in safety levels.
CDU deputy Karin Prien is calling for the exclusion of CDU MPs who may have voted for AfD politician Tobias Rausch in the state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt. She warns of a test for the entire party.

After attending Russian President Vladimir Putin's birthday party in Moscow, former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder came under criticism. Politicians from the Greens and FDP strongly condemn the meeting.
Union parliamentary group leader Thorsten Frei admits the difficult situation for the CDU and SPD, but is sticking to the reform course. The reason is poor election results and poll numbers. The CDU presidium will discuss this at the weekend.
Berlin's SPD parliamentary group leader Steffen Krach has threatened the Left with the failure of the planned red-green-red coalition if it does not consistently push through against anti-Semitism in its own ranks. He emphasized that clear rules apply and anti-Semitic MPs must be excluded from the parliamentary group, otherwise there would be a problem in the coalition.