Luigi Pantisano wants to become the chairman of the Left Party. In an interview with taz, he shares his thoughts on migration and criticises Cem Özdemir.
taz: Next weekend you will be running for the Left Party presidency. What is the first question you would ask yourself in an interview?
Luigi Pantisano: What is my goal as party leader? The answer: My goal is to win back the workers to the left. The SPD can't do that anymore. The Greens don't care, they have other priorities. That's our job and responsibility.
I 'm going to Google it faster .
You use Google? You want to find taz texts better when Googling? Then you can use the new feature "preferred sources" with a Google account. To set the taz as "preferred source", you just have to click on this link and put a tick. Done.
You want to avoid Google? No problem, there are numerous alternatives. Alternatively mentioned are Ecosia, DuckDuckGo or Startpage.
For more details on the Google 's 'preferred source' feature , see here .
taz: An old dream of left-wing academics. Will the proletarian cult move back into the Karl Liebknecht House with you?
PANTISANO: I am not talking about a cult, but about respect for the leaders of our society. The left has the right to talk to people instead of about them. Just as we have been doing for the last two years at the doorsteps, we should now go to the factories and enter the factories and listen to the people there as they talk about their problems and their anger.
Interviewed by Luigi Pantisano
is an architect, urban planner and since 2025 a member of the Bundestag for the Left. The son of Italian guest workers from Baden-Württemberg is running for the party presidency. He wants to anchor the party more strongly among workers and in the companies.
taz: This is what the workers have been waiting for.
Pantisano: It would be naive to think that we would always be welcomed with open arms. Many have lost the belief that politics can also be made for them and not always for lobbyists and the super-rich. Your disappointment with the disastrous government policy of the Union and the SPD is rightly great. Simply leaving them to the right is not an alternative. Rather, we must create a consciousness among the working people that they belong together, that they can defend themselves and that we stand together with them.
TAZ: That sounds very paternalistic.
Pantisano: Not at all. I myself grew up in a working-class family and only had a high school diploma. My path to becoming an urban planner and an architect was a long one. I know both worlds. As the child of an Italian guest worker, I know only too well what it is like when the politicians are not interested in you and look down on you.
taz: Your brother Alfonso Pantisano, the queer representative of the Berlin state government, recently wrote a very moving article about your family history in the "Tagesspiegel".
Pantisano: It shapes me a lot. My parents came to Germany from Calabria in the mid-1960s. All their professional lives they worked incredibly hard, and they were proud of that. Sometimes they had two or three jobs at the same time. So they worked in a factory that printed school books from the Klett publishing house. They could never read the books themselves. My mother only went to school until the second grade, my father until the fifth grade. At home we had no books, so the TV was always on. The room I lived in, I shared with my three older brothers. So I know realities that are far less privileged than those of federal deputies.
taz: Were you pleased that for the first time a so-called 'guest-in-child' has become Prime Minister with the Green Party's Cem Özdemir?
Pantisano: No, even though I find this very regrettable. I would like to say that this is a success. Because we need immigrant role models in a wide variety of positions. They are important for the many young immigrants who often have to stand up for everything that is bad and wrong in this country. But Cem Özdemir, in my perception, prefers to play the role of the better German, who, when in doubt, would rather fall on their backs than strengthen their backs.
taz: You yourself come from Baden-Württemberg, where your party failed to enter the Landtag in March with a much worse result than in the Bundestag elections.
Pantisano: Unfortunately, we have not done enough to convey that it makes no great difference whether the CDU governs with the Greens or the Greens with the CDU. This is a problem. We need a larger base of voters: women who vote for the left out of firm conviction and in the long term. For this, more people must realize that we make a difference and that only with us is a solidary socio-ecological society possible. For this, a stronger local and regional anchoring is required. This is not something that can be done overnight. Two years ago, many had already said we were dead, now we have over 126,000 members. There is a lot, a lot going on.
taz: You write in your application…
Read the full article at taz – die tageszeitung →📄Source document: YouGov Survey Results→81 reports
Die ZeitIndependentCenter2 days agoThe SPD is addressing its decline in the state parliament and plans to challenge the new governing coalition of CDU and Greens in economic and education policy. The parliamentary group leader emphasized the need for a strong opposition and criticized the ruling parties' approach to labor rights and educational equality. The SPD also announced it would oppose AfD members in committee leadership roles.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on the SPD's strategic response to its reduced influence in the state parliament without taking a stance on the policies discussed. It presents the SPD's positions neutrally, without favoring any political side.
taz – die tageszeitungIndependentCenter2 days agoThe article discusses the upcoming state election in Saxony-Anhalt, highlighting that according to current polls, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is expected to become the strongest party, potentially even securing an absolute majority. The ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is predicted to suffer a significant decline in support, while other parties such as the Greens, Free Democratic Party (FDP), and Social Democratic Party (SPD) face challenges in retaining their representation.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information based on polling data without overtly biased language or framing. It reports on the potential outcomes of an election without taking a stance or emphasizing any particular perspective beyond the reported poll results.
CiceroIndependentRight3 days agoThe article discusses the German Left Party's potential cooperation with the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt, emphasizing their opposition to far-right parties like the AfD. It also highlights findings by Bayerischer Rundfunk revealing statements from the youth organization 'Linksjugend Solid,' which express admiration for Stalin and hostility toward Israel.
Bias read (Right): The article frames the Left Party's actions and rhetoric in a critical light, using terms such as 'kommunistischen Massenmörderregimes' (communist mass murderer regimes) and highlighting their alleged admiration for Stalin and hostility toward Israel. The tone suggests disapproval of the Left Party,
Official sources cited
- statement Luigi Pantisano
- statement Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND)
- statement Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR)
n-tvParty-alignedCenter3 days agoThe article reports on recent polling data showing a slight increase in support for the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and continued distance between the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the ruling coalition (Union).
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual polling results without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It does not emphasize any particular political perspective or frame the information in a way that favors one side over another.
Die ZeitIndependentCenter3 days ago Parliamentary elections: Pantisano ready to cooperate with CDU in Saxony-AnhaltLuigi Pantisano, a candidate for leadership of Germany's Left Party, has expressed willingness to cooperate with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) after the state election in Saxony-Anhalt if it prevents the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) from gaining power. Pantisano emphasized that preventing the AfD from coming to power is the top priority, even if it requires cooperation with the CDU. However, he warned against forming a coalition with the CDU, citing concerns that such a move could reinforce the AfD's narrative that all other parties are the same and potentially lead to an
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual summary of Pantisano's statements without overtly favoring any political side. It includes direct quotes from Pantisano and mentions his caution against a CDU-Left Party coalition but does not frame this as inherently positive or negative.
Die ZeitIndependentCenter3 days ago Resolution of the city council: Aachen calls for an end to German border controlsThe Aachen city council has passed a resolution calling for the immediate end of Germany's internal border controls at its borders with the Netherlands and Belgium. The resolution was supported by multiple parties including CDU, Greens, SPD, Left, Volt, FDP, and UP, while the AfD opposed it with five votes against. The council argues that the continued border checks burden the region, particularly affecting commuters and visitors from neighboring countries.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the resolution and the arguments made by both supporters and opponents without overtly favoring any side. It includes quotes from the resolution and mentions the opposition from the AfD but does not editorialize or use biased language.
Die ZeitIndependentLeft4 days ago Black and red coalition: SPD accuses Education Minister Prien of poor cooperationBundesbildungs- und Familienministerin Karin Prien (CDU) plant eine Überarbeitung des Förderprogramms 'Demokratie leben!'. Mehrere SPD-Abgeordnete, darunter ehemalige SPD-Chefin Saskia Esken, werfen Prien vor, sie bei der Planung nicht einbezogen zu haben. Sie kritisieren, dass sie als Koalitionspartner nicht angemessen berücksichtigt wurden.
Bias read (Left): The article presents criticism from SPD members against CDU minister Karin Prien, suggesting she bypassed her coalition partners during planning. The framing emphasizes the SPD's perspective and implies a lack of cooperation from the CDU side, which aligns with a left-leaning critique of the ruling党
Official sources cited
- government Brief von SPD-Abgeordneten an Ministerin Prien
CiceroIndependentCenter4 days ago The SPD Secretary General is the head of the Steinbrück School - What is behind Klüssendorf's decree of the eternal firewallThe article discusses Tim Klüssendorf, the General Secretary of the SPD, rejecting Peer Steinbrück's hypothetical proposal for a de-radicalized AfD. It suggests that the 'eternal firewall' policy, which would completely and absolutely separate the AfD from other parties, might have more pragmatic goals than just a love for the Basic Law.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual summary of the debate between SPD figures without overtly favoring one side. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the positions expressed by Klüssendorf and Steinbrück without editorializing or biased language.
Die WeltParty-aligned🔒Center4 days agoThe SPD General Secretary has rejected a proposal by former finance minister Peer Steinbrück regarding the AfD party, stating that the AfD does not adhere to red lines.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses an internal political debate within the SPD and mentions a rejection of a proposal related to the AfD. However, it does not exhibit clear bias through loaded language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The content remains neutral in tone and focuses on factual events.
Frankfurter Allgemeine (FAZ)Independent🔒Center4 days agoThe article discusses the formation of a black-yellow coalition (CDU and SPD) in Bad Homburg, highlighting their successful cooperation over the past decade. The CDU gained three percentage points in the election, while the SPD lost only 0.4 percentage points. Despite other parties expressing openness to cooperating with the CDU, the Union has chosen to continue its partnership with the SPD.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view of the political situation in Bad Homburg without overtly favoring any side. It focuses on the functional cooperation between CDU and SPD, noting both parties' performance in elections and their decision-making process. There is no evident ideological framing or偏
taz – die tageszeitungIndependentLeft5 days ago New Left-wing tip on class politics: The workers do not leave the rightLuigi Pantisano, a candidate for leadership of Germany's Left Party, discusses his vision for the party's future with taz. He emphasizes the need to reengage working-class voters, criticizing the SPD and Greens for not prioritizing workers' interests. The interview also touches on migration policy and the role of the Left Party in representing labor interests.
Bias read (Left): The article presents Luigi Pantisano's perspective as a leftist candidate aiming to refocus the Left Party on working-class issues, which aligns with left-wing priorities. The framing highlights criticism of center-left parties like the SPD and Greens, reinforcing a left-leaning narrative.
n-tvParty-alignedCenter5 days ago The SPD is easily overwhelmed, while the AfD is still dependent on the Union.The article reports on recent polling data showing a slight increase in support for the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and continued distance between the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the ruling coalition (Union).
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual polling results without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It does not emphasize any particular political perspective or frame the information in a way that favors one side over another.
CiceroIndependentRight5 days ago Brandwall - The left hypocrites are not interested in the AfDThe article discusses the suggestion that the CDU should abandon distinguishing itself from the Left in its opposition to the AfD, calling this approach 'poisoned' as it would elevate the Left and pave the way for a red-green-red coalition. The author criticizes what they perceive as hypocrisy among leftist politicians who claim high ideals but are primarily focused on maintaining power.
Bias read (Right): The article uses strong critical language towards leftist politicians ('Heuchler' or hypocrites), frames their actions as self-serving rather than idealistic, and implies that abandoning distinctions with them would be detrimental. This framing aligns with a right-leaning perspective by emphasizing左
Focus OnlineParty-alignedCenter5 days agoA new survey indicates that the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party is nine percentage points ahead of the Union (CDU/CSU) in voter preferences.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual results from a survey without explicit commentary, framing, or biased language. It does not favor any political side but reports on the survey findings objectively.
HandelsblattParty-aligned🔒Center5 days agoThe article reports that the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has consolidated its lead over the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in recent opinion polls ahead of the German federal election.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about polling data without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It does not frame the situation with clear ideological slant, merely stating the current state of opinion polls.
HandelsblattParty-aligned🔒Center5 days ago YouGov survey: AfD nine percentage points ahead of the Union FDP at five percentA YouGov survey indicates that the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party is nine percentage points ahead of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)/Christian Social Union (CSU) coalition, with the Free Democratic Party (FDP) at five percent.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual results from a YouGov survey without apparent framing or slant. It reports numerical data objectively, without evaluative language or emphasis on particular outcomes.
Official sources cited
- study YouGov Survey Results
Die WeltParty-aligned🔒Center5 days ago YouGov survey: Surveys shock to the Union AfD builds on unprecedented value - VideoA YouGov survey indicates a significant drop in support for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) gaining ground to an unprecedented lead.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual results from a YouGov survey without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on polling data objectively, indicating a shift in public opinion without taking a stance on the implications or causes of the survey findings.
Official sources cited
- press release YouGov Survey Results
Frankfurter Allgemeine (FAZ)Independent🔒Right5 days ago AI affair and plagiarism: Voigt's risky gameThe article discusses Mario Voigt, the Minister-President of Thuringia, who formed an unusual coalition of CDU, BSW, and SPD. Despite lacking a majority in the state parliament, this 'Brombeerkоalition' has governed successfully. However, recent controversies have emerged regarding Voigt's use of artificial intelligence (AI) to draft speeches and guest articles. A recent incident involved a guest contribution he supposedly co-authored with Sven Schulze, the CDU Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt, which raised questions about the extent of AI involvement.
Bias read (Right): The article frames Voigt's actions in a critical light, emphasizing potential ethical concerns around AI usage in political communication without providing balanced counterpoints or defending his position. The tone suggests skepticism toward Voigt’s conduct, aligning more with right-leaning scrutiny
Official sources cited
- press release Gastbeitrag von Voigt und Schulze
Die WeltParty-aligned🔒Center5 days ago Surveys shock to the Union AfD builds on an unprecedented leadA survey has revealed a significant setback for the Union (CDU/CSU), with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) expanding its lead to an unprecedented level.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on survey results without apparent framing or slant. It does not use loaded language, present one-sided sourcing, or omit context. The headline reflects the survey findings but does not indicate a particular ideological leaning.
SternParty-alignedRight6 days agoA CDU politician has defended their appearance at an event with the far-right AfD party, stating they do not want to be 'marginalized.'
Bias read (Right): The article highlights a CDU politician defending collaboration with the far-right AfD, which frames the politician's stance in a manner that aligns with right-leaning perspectives by emphasizing resistance to being marginalized rather than critiquing the association with a controversial party.
Germany