Linke, the far-left in Germany, presented themselves on Monday as potential coalition partners with the Social Democrats and Greens.
This is after the election on 26 September, as the Linke say, they provide the best opportunity in delivering the parties’ social policies.
The center-left Social Democrats (SPD) spiked in the polls over Chancellor Merkel’s Conservative party.
This drew attention in Germany over possible options for coalition after the close fight in the election.
Germany is Europe’s largest economy and its most popular country. It is at stake after 16 years of balanced center-right Merkel’s leadership.
Merkel plans to step down following the election.
An INSA poll published on Monday showed the SPD leading with 26% support.
The SPD was ahead of the conservatives on 20.5% and the Greens on 15.5%.
Additionally, the Free Democrats were on 12.5% and the Linke on 6.5%.
“We are ready to take on government responsibility,” Linke leader, Dietmar Bartsch said.
The SPD chancellor candidate, Olaf Scholz, said on Sunday he wanted to rule with the Left Greens.
However, the polls suggest he would need more support from a third party to reach a majority in the parliament.
Scholz has regularly distanced himself from the Linke, as he considered them inadequate to rule because they don’t clearly commit to NATO.
Linke’s offer
The Linke said they would provide for the SPD and Greens the best chance of delivery on their campaigns.
For instance, increasing the national minimum wage, raising taxes on rich people, and accelerating efforts towards green energy, Linke said.
Bartsch said that the SPD and Greens leaning right and partner with the FDP would be “electoral fraud”, as they could no longer fulfill their pledges.
Armin Laschet, the conservative candidate, made a promise of “steadfastness,” which is failing with the voters.
This is due to the voters’ concerns over climate change, immigration and the COVID19 pandemic.
