Germany’s new left-wing populist party, the Sahra Wagenknecht – Reason and Justice (BSW) Alliance, is pressuring major parties to make major concessions as they negotiate possible coalition deals in three states from the East.

The BSW’s demands relate to the judgment military aid to Ukrainea decision that risks breaking Germany’s strong support for kyiv, according to Reuters report from November 3. Launched in January, the BSW is the only party to oppose the arming of Ukraine, along with the far-right AfD.

Germany remains the second largest country in Ukraine military partisanHowever, the BSW’s position challenges this pro-Ukrainian consensus, especially in states like Brandenburg, Thuringia and Saxony, where the BSW has recently achieved electoral success.

BSW leader Sahra Wagenknecht, known for her pro-Russia and NATO-skeptical stances, is pushing for all coalition partners to align with her party’s anti-war stance.

This approach has already borne fruit, with the Brandenburg branch of the Social Democrats (SPD) having approved a joint declaration with the BSW. The document reportedly included a message: “The war will not be ended by further arms deliveries,” and expressed opposition to the possible deployment of U.S. troops. long range missiles in Germany.

This statement sparked negative reactions in Berlin and criticism within the SPD itself.

Agnieszka Brugger, Greens lawmaker, currently junior associate to the Chancellor Olaf ScholzThe SPD coalition criticized the Brandenburg branch of the SPD for cooperating with the BSW’s position, according to Reuters.

Brugger criticized the BSW position as “cynical and populist”, adding that “anyone who talks about peace but intends to end support for Ukraine does not want real peace. Such a policy would endanger the security of our country and our allies. SPD Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter also condemned the language used by the Brandenburg branch, calling it “unacceptable.”

Although German state governments cannot directly influence foreign policy, the BSW’s position highlights the growing complexity of public opinion on the war in Ukraine. Recent polls indicate a decline in public enthusiasm for support for Ukraine, even as Russia advances on the battlefield and U.S. support remains uncertain heading into the November 5 election. .

The success of the BSW appears to reinvigorate the SPD’s traditionally Russia-friendly left wing, according to political scientist Stefan Marschall of the University of Düsseldorf.