Understanding the BSW Supporters: A New Contender in German Politics
The Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht – Vernunft und Gerechtigkeit (BSW) is a newly founded political party in Germany that is rapidly gaining traction in Germany. Established in January 2024 by former Left Party leader Sahra Wagenknecht, the BSW is challenging to classify, combining socially conservative views with left-leaning economic and social policies, Euroscepticism, and a pro-Russian approach to foreign policy. Despite its recent formation, the party is already making an impact, particularly in eastern Germany, where it is polling at notable levels—potentially reaching up to 10% or 20% in the upcoming state elections in Brandenburg, Thuringia, and Saxony in autumn 2024 Our latest research briefing explores the perspectives of BSW supporters, based on data from a representative survey conducted in April and May 2024. This analysis provides insight into what drives BSW sympathizers, their political preferences, and how they differ from supporters of other parties.
Key Findings:
- High Levels of Dissatisfaction and Pessimism: BSW supporters express strong dissatisfaction with the current state of society and politics in Germany. They have above-average concerns about social and economic decline and view their own financial situation as insecure.
- Anti-Immigration Views and Agreement with Far-Right Statements: BSW sympathizers are more likely to hold critical views on immigration and show a higher tendency to agree with far-right statements compared to supporters of other democratic parties.
- Preference for State Intervention in Economic Policy: BSW supporters favour social welfare and state interventionist solutions over market-based approaches, similar to centre-left party supporters, though their economic views vary.
This analysis provides a research-based understanding of the motivations, political preferences, and distinctive characteristics of BSW supporters an potential electorate compared to those of other parties.