Germany's populist party, Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), founded by a former leftist leader of the same name, is campaigning in next year's general election on a platform of social measures such as rent freezes and rising pensions.
The party, which combines traditional leftist and anti-immigrant and pro-Russia social policies, wants “serious de-escalation efforts” over the war in Ukraine and an end to German arms deliveries, according to the eight-page poll. manifesto seen by dpa.
Germany is expected to hold elections on February 23, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government.
The parties have been outlining their election manifestos after the Bundestag, or lower house of parliament, withdrew its confidence in Scholz on Monday, with an early election planned.
The BSW wants to freeze rent increases until 2030 in all regions “where the housing market has a tangible surplus.”
Housing shortages are a serious problem in many German cities, as few new homes are being built. Rents are set to increase by 4% in 2024, according to a recent study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW).
BSW's mini-manifesto also calls for a minimum pension of €1,500 ($1,565) after 40 years of paying into the system, and the abolition of additional contributions to the official health insurance.
Other measures include the introduction of public health insurance to which everyone contributes. Currently, private and state health care exist separately.
BSW requires a tax exemption on pensions of up to €2,000 per month and a statutory minimum wage of €15.
The group also wants to change controversial laws aimed at switching the country to renewable sources of heating and banning combustion engine cars.
It requires asylum seekers to stay in safe countries outside the European Union while their applications are processed.
Wagenknecht's party, founded in January, opposes EU enlargement and excludes Ukraine's membership.
The start-up party, which recently entered government in two eastern German states, is polling at 5%, the threshold for entering the Bundestag.
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