Germany’s populist superstar demands peace with Russia
In an interview Sahra Wagenknecht trashes the consensus on Ukraine—and much more
FEW GERMAN politicians divide opinion like Sahra Wagenknecht. A Putin-loving demagogue to her detractors, simply “Sahra” to her legions of adoring fans, Ms Wagenknecht has injected a high-octane blast of populism into a country that prefers its politics staid and consensual. Invariably decked out in her trademark high-necked jackets, Ms Wagenknecht rules the airwaves with her brainy but pointed polemics on Ukraine, immigration and other prickly subjects. Her political formula is unorthodox, yet the success of her Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), a party she launched only in January, proves a talent for political entrepreneurship. And she has developed an uncanny knack for forcing other politicians to dance to her tune.
Explore more
This article appeared in the Europe section of the print edition under the headline “The world according to Sahra Wagenknecht ”
From the October 26th 2024 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionDiscover more
Marine Le Pen spooks the bond markets
She threatens to bring down the French government, but also faces a possible ban from politics
The maths of Europe’s military black hole
It needs to spend to defend, but voters may balk
Ukraine’s warriors brace for a Kremlin surge in the south
Vladimir Putin’s war machine is pushing harder and crushing Ukrainian morale
Vladimir Putin fires a new missile to amplify his nuclear threats
The attack on Ukraine is part of a new era of missile warfare
A rise in antisemitism puts Europe’s liberal values to the test
The return of Europe’s oldest scourge
Once dominant, Germany is now desperate
As an election looms its business model is breaking down