Overview

• Heidi Reichinnek told Stern the GDR did not represent the socialism her party envisions and outlined a goal of democratic socialism focused on public ownership and wealth redistribution.
• She stressed the Left wants to change the economic system without overturning Germany’s political system, contrasting her party with the AfD.
• Markus Söder denounced her remarks in a widely viewed Instagram video, calling the GDR a socialist dictatorship and reaffirming no cooperation with Die Linke.
• CDU, FDP and Freie Wähler figures amplified the criticism, labeling the GDR socialism and a dictatorship and urging Reichinnek to retract or feel shame for the comments.
• Commentary highlighted that maintaining a no-cooperation stance could complicate the two‑thirds majority required for constitutional court judge elections, where Linke votes may be needed, while Reichinnek also drew attention to threats and sexualized abuse faced by women in politics.