Kongress auf Rügen: Wie die Grünen um Stimmen in Ostdeutschland kämpfen

The Green Party is holding its "East Congress" on the island of Rügen, specifically in Sassnitz, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its presence in eastern Germany ahead of two crucial state elections in September. The event, themed “Close to People. Strong in Change,” aims to foster networking among members and boost morale amid challenging electoral prospects in both Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Saxony-Anhalt. These states have historically been difficult territories for the Greens, who face the risk of failing to secure representation in their respective state legislatures.

Participants at the congress include party members and activists engaged in workshops designed to provide practical guidance for election campaigns. Johannes Paul Stabenow from Greifswald, one of the participants, emphasized that the atmosphere within the party is positive despite the challenges. He described a sense of defiance and determination, noting that the party has become more approachable since the intense criticism faced during the federal coalition government with the SPD and FDP. Martin Helbig, leader of the Greens in Saxony, also participated in a workshop alongside a colleague, reflecting on past experiences where the party had encountered strong opposition.

Despite these efforts, the Greens remain relatively weak in the eastern regions. With fewer than eight percent of its national membership coming from the less densely populated areas of eastern Germany—approximately 15,000 members out of around 183,000 nationwide—the party faces significant hurdles. Political scientist Benjamin Höhne from the Technical University of Chemnitz notes that the Greens have always struggled in the east, relying less on their traditional academic base found in western cities.

To address this challenge, the Greens have implemented strategies such as "election campaign holidays," allowing volunteers from other parts of the country to assist local members in their efforts to gain votes. There have already been about 500 registrations for this initiative, split roughly equally between the two states. Some of these registrations involve multiple individuals per entry, indicating a growing interest in supporting the Greens' campaign in the east.

The party's leadership has recognized the need for increased visibility in the region. Recently, party chairman Felix Banaszak opened a new office in Brandenburg an der Havel, signaling a commitment to strengthening the Greens' presence in the east. Researchers like Höhne support such initiatives, arguing that they can help create greater understanding of the unique challenges facing eastern Germany. He warns against neglecting the region, emphasizing that failure to engage effectively could lead to political shifts, potentially allowing parties like the AfD to gain influence, which would have implications for federal democracy.

This year marks the second "East Congress" held in a single year, highlighting the Greens' ongoing focus on the region. Events at the congress include diverse workshops and discussions on topics ranging from education and freedom to energy policy. The setting provides a contrast to the serious nature of the discussions, with views of excursion boats heading out onto the mirror-like Baltic Sea offering a backdrop to the proceedings.

As the Greens prepare for the upcoming elections, the success of these initiatives will be critical in determining whether they can overcome historical challenges and secure a foothold in the eastern German states. The outcomes of these efforts will likely shape the party’s future strategies and influence its role in regional politics.