The Left Party's Pivotal Conference in Halle

The Left Party of Germany convened a crucial three-day conference in Halle, with the party confronting an existential crisis. The event commenced with speeches from key figures, including outgoing co-leader Janine Wissler and Thuringia's Minister President Bodo Ramelow. A central theme of the conference was a strategic reset, focusing on social issues such as housing policy and a new leftist approach toward Eastern politics.

A significant portion of the conference was devoted to addressing the Middle East conflict, resulting in a compromise resolution. This resolution condemned both Israeli violations of international law and Hamas terrorism, while advocating for a ceasefire and the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state within the 1967 borders. The resolution also called for the release of hostages and rejected arms deliveries, emphasizing the party's stance against antisemitism and racism.

The conference also saw debates on controversial issues, with some party factions labeling Israel's actions against Palestinians as "genocide." Despite these tensions, the party supported a two-state solution and referred to the International Court of Justice's concerns about potential genocidal acts in Gaza.

Leadership changes were also on the agenda, as Jan van Aken and Ines Schwerdtner stepped up as candidates to replace the outgoing co-chairs. The conference underscored the party's attempt to navigate internal conflicts and redefine its political strategy amid challenging global and domestic landscapes.