Berlin's Left Party Prepares for Leadership Change with New Co-Chair Candidates

Franziska Brychcy steps down from Berlin Left Party co-leadership as Kerstin Wolter and Maximilian Schirmer announce plans to run for the roles.

Franziska Brychcy, co-chair of Berlin's Left Party, will not seek reelection in May, citing the demands of her dual roles and personal reasons, including her responsibilities as a parent of five.
Maximilian Schirmer, the current co-chair, plans to run again, joined by Kerstin Wolter, a district leader from Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg known for her Marxist feminist stance.
Wolter and Schirmer aim to lead the party in its efforts to secure progressive majorities, affordable housing, and social cohesion in Berlin, while preparing for upcoming elections in 2026.
Brychcy reflected on her tenure, highlighting the party's recent successes, including becoming Berlin's strongest party in the Bundestag election, despite internal challenges such as debates over antisemitism and key member departures.
The new leadership will be elected at the party's May 17-18 conference, with a continued commitment to fostering inclusivity and collaboration with both parliamentary and grassroots movements.