{"id":119888,"date":"2025-03-21T09:22:12","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T07:22:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/?p=119888"},"modified":"2025-03-24T09:22:22","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T07:22:22","slug":"gregor-gysi-an-optimist-by-necessity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/de\/article\/gregor-gysi-an-optimist-by-necessity\/","title":{"rendered":"Gregor Gysi: An Optimist by 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by Robert Hamacher."}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_area","text_area":"

Gregor Gysi is Germany\u2019s three-in-one politician, comedian, and charismatic speaker. He has been a prominent figure in German politics since the Eighties, when he worked as a lawyer in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and became involved in the oppositional civil rights movement. After reunification, he played a central role in reinventing the former GDR\u2019s Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschland (SED) as the new Partei des Demokratischen Sozialismus (PDS) and is now a key member of its third incarnation, Die Linke. But Gysi\u2019s appeal extends far beyond his own party members. With his rhetorical brilliance and sharp humour, he strikes a chord with people across the political spectrum \u2013 even those who do not support his party\u2019s politics. In this candid conversation with Amelie Kahl, Gregor Gysi reflects on the challenges and opportunities for democracy, his vision for a better Germany, and the courage it takes to drive change.<\/span><\/p>\n

AMELIE KAHL<\/span> Mr. Gysi, is your glass half full?<\/span><\/p>\n

GREGOR GYSI<\/span> Generally speaking, yes. I\u2019m an optimist by necessity \u2013 otherwise, I wouldn\u2019t be able to run election campaigns. If I were to assume we were going to lose anyway, I\u2019d lose all motivation. So, yes, in that sense, I\u2019ve always been an optimist.<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> Do you feel the same sense of optimism regarding Germany\u2019s future?<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> Not at all. We\u2019re witnessing a rightward shift in the US and across Europe. Look at figures like Meloni, Orb\u00e1n, and Erdo\u011fan. In Austria, Mr. Kickl could become chancellor, with their mainstream conservative party as a junior partner. Belgium is heading in a similar direction. Then there\u2019s Ms. Le Pen in France and the Alternative f\u00fcr Deutschland (AfD) here in Germany \u2013 I find all of these developments truly worrying. And now Trump is talking about using military force to seize the Panama Canal and Greenland. It\u2019s a complete disaster. To put it bluntly: things aren\u2019t looking good. And that\u2019s coming from an optimist.<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> What can we do in the face of these developments?<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> The most urgent task is for all democratic forces to unite and defend the core values of freedom and democracy. We can argue about everything else, but on this, we must stand together. This alliance must go beyond political parties \u2013 it should include artists, writers, scientists, trade unions, churches, and business associations. <\/span>We need a broad coalition that resolutely defends the core principles of freedom and democracy. <\/span>This is something we need across Europe \u2013 and in the US as well.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"blockquote","text":"\"We must support the European Union, anything else would be misguided. Germany benefits the most economically from the EU, and we should be honest about that. For Germany, Europe isn\u2019t just an ideological issue; it\u2019s existential.\"","source":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_area","text_area":"

AK<\/span> I hope that as the world shifts further to the right, the left will push back even harder.<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> This is how I see the situation: if Die Linke isn\u2019t in the Bundestag, there will be no left-wing voices in parliament. And if they\u2019re not in parliament, they won\u2019t be in the media. And if they\u2019re not in the media, they won\u2019t be in society. Then the only debate will be between the centre and the far right. I think even the CDU should want to engage with our ideas, just as we engage with theirs. The public responds well to that.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

AK <\/span> I\u2019ve noticed more strategic voting on the left lately. This seems to be a new development.<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> It\u2019s important to look at who has left us and who has stayed. It\u2019s pretty ironic that the CDU set up a \u2018firewall\u2019 (refusal to vote or collaborate with parties deemed extremist on the left or right) against us but is now working with Sarah Wagenknecht. [laughs]<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> The B\u00fcndnis Sarah Wagenknecht (BSW) has even voted with the AfD against stronger protections for the Bundesverfassungsgericht (Federal Constitutional Court).<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> Unfortunately, the media barely covered the 2024 vote on whether to better safeguard the Constitutional Court in the event of an AfD-led government. The proposal was to enshrine protections for judges in the constitution, shielding them from political interference. The AfD and BSW voted against it. Everyone else \u2013 CDU\/CSU, the Greens, Die Linke, and the FDP \u2013 voted in favour, obviously. Later, the Union (CDU\/CSU) proposed a law to limit immigration (\u2018<\/span>Zustrombegrenzung\u2019<\/span><\/i>), which the CDU, FDP, AfD, and BSW supported. Only the SPD, Greens, and Die Linke opposed it. Based on that alone, I find it impossible to support the BSW.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> What\u2019s your opinion on BSW?<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> The B\u00fcndnis Sarah Wagenknecht (BSW) has voted with the AfD against stronger protections for the Bundesverfassungsgericht (Federal Constitutional Court). Unfortunately, the media barely covered the 2024 vote on whether to better safeguard the Constitutional Court in the event of an AfD-led government. The proposal was to enshrine protections for judges in the constitution, shielding them from political interference. The AfD and BSW voted against it. Everyone else \u2013 CDU\/CSU, the Greens, Die Linke, and the FDP \u2013 voted in favour, obviously. Later, the Union (CDU\/CSU) proposed a law to limit immigration (\u2018<\/span>Zustrombegrenzung\u2019<\/span><\/i>), which the CDU, FDP, AfD, and BSW supported. Only the SPD, Greens, and Die Linke opposed it. Based on that alone, I find it impossible to support the BSW.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> Can Germany remain stable without Europe?<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> No. We must support the European Union, anything else would be misguided. Germany benefits the most economically from the EU, and we should be honest about that. For Germany, Europe isn\u2019t just an ideological issue; it\u2019s existential. After all, Germany is not a resource-rich country. We have trees, yes, but we need to protect them and use this natural resource sparingly. That\u2019s why Die Linke needs to organise better on a European level than is currently the case. <\/span>Here in Germany, this has become a lot easier since Wagenknecht declared her alliance a modern conservative party, not a left-wing one. Now she\u2019s competing with the CDU\/CSU, FDP, and SPD, rather than with us.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"images","gallery":[{"ID":119892,"id":119892,"title":"25_02_Sleek_0268_preview","filename":"25_02_Sleek_0268_preview.jpg","filesize":961065,"url":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0268_preview.jpg","link":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/de\/article\/gregor-gysi-an-optimist-by-necessity\/25_02_sleek_0268_preview\/","alt":"","author":"1","description":"","caption":"","name":"25_02_sleek_0268_preview","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":119888,"date":"2025-03-11 15:44:49","modified":"2025-03-11 15:44:49","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":1500,"height":2000,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0268_preview.jpg","thumbnail-width":72,"thumbnail-height":96,"medium":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0268_preview.jpg","medium-width":1500,"medium-height":2000,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0268_preview.jpg","medium_large-width":1500,"medium_large-height":2000,"large":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0268_preview.jpg","large-width":1500,"large-height":2000,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0268_preview-1152x1536.jpg","1536x1536-width":1152,"1536x1536-height":1536,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0268_preview.jpg","2048x2048-width":1500,"2048x2048-height":2000,"trp-custom-language-flag":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0268_preview.jpg","trp-custom-language-flag-width":9,"trp-custom-language-flag-height":12,"wpvr_mobile":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0268_preview.jpg","wpvr_mobile-width":1500,"wpvr_mobile-height":2000}}],"settings":{"fit_width":"6","caption":"Photography by Robert Hamacher."}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_area","text_area":"

AK<\/span> What is your position on renewable energies, given Germany\u2019s lack of natural resources?<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> We need to reduce emissions, obviously. But if that kind of policy leads to a price increase \u2013 transitioning to renewable energies comes at a cost, after all \u2013 then we need to decide who is to bear those costs. I find it unacceptable that only public servants, ministers, and the chancellor are to receive a 3,000 Euro inflation subsidy whereas pensioners get a mere 300 Euros, and the rest of the population gets nothing. Had I been chancellor, I\u2019d never have signed off on a deal that benefits some and leaves others out. If some of us get compensation, all of us should. That would have been a meaningful gesture.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> Let\u2019s continue with this premise \u2013 if you had been elected as chancellor, what are three things you would have wanted to change if you could?<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span>GG<\/span> First, I\u2019d redecorate the office. You can\u2019t just take it over as your predecessor left it. [laughs] But seriously, <\/span>I\u2019d work to end the war between Russia and Ukraine as quickly as possible \u2013 through a ceasefire, substantive peace talks, and a non-aggression pact with Russia. Second, I\u2019d push for or at least take steps towards a two-state solution in the Middle East. Third, I\u2019d establish fair taxation in Germany, which would also help achieve greater social justice.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> What does fair taxation mean to you?<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> Well, for example, the G20 have agreed on a billionaire tax. I can\u2019t wait to see if they actually implement it. Initially, Germany vetoed and stopped the proposal, thanks to Finance Minister Lindner. When he stepped aside, they put it back on the agenda, and Chancellor Scholz couldn\u2019t say no. [laughs] So, Germany agreed, but we\u2019ll see if it ever comes into force.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>AK<\/span> And what the actual tax rate would be.<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> Indeed. Middle-class families in Germany face an average tax rate of 42 percent. Billionaire families pay only 25 percent. Why?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> Well, why?<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> If you work, you collect wages. Those wages are taxed, and you quickly reach the threshold for the top tax rate, at 42 percent. But if you inherit money and put it into a high-yielding bank account or into shares and bonds, you collect your yield. Those capital gains are only taxed at 25 percent. So, if you receive money in exchange for doing work, you must deduct up to 42 percent (<\/span>Spitzensteuersatz<\/span><\/i>) or even 45 percent (<\/span>H\u00f6chststeuersatz<\/span><\/i> \u2013 maximum tax rate) of your earnings in taxes. If you receive money in exchange for doing nothing, those capital gains are only taxed at a maximum of 25 percent.<\/span><\/p>\n

AK <\/span> What would be your solution?<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> In my opinion, we must apply the same tax rate to both capital gains and wages. That money could go towards healthcare and long-term care insurance, which means we could lower health insurance contributions from 17 to 13 percent. That would make a real difference.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"images","gallery":[{"ID":119893,"id":119893,"title":"25_02_Sleek_0292_preview","filename":"25_02_Sleek_0292_preview.jpg","filesize":795428,"url":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0292_preview.jpg","link":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/de\/article\/gregor-gysi-an-optimist-by-necessity\/25_02_sleek_0292_preview\/","alt":"","author":"1","description":"","caption":"","name":"25_02_sleek_0292_preview","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":119888,"date":"2025-03-11 15:44:53","modified":"2025-03-11 15:44:53","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":1500,"height":2000,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0292_preview.jpg","thumbnail-width":72,"thumbnail-height":96,"medium":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0292_preview.jpg","medium-width":1500,"medium-height":2000,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0292_preview.jpg","medium_large-width":1500,"medium_large-height":2000,"large":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0292_preview.jpg","large-width":1500,"large-height":2000,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0292_preview-1152x1536.jpg","1536x1536-width":1152,"1536x1536-height":1536,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0292_preview.jpg","2048x2048-width":1500,"2048x2048-height":2000,"trp-custom-language-flag":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0292_preview.jpg","trp-custom-language-flag-width":9,"trp-custom-language-flag-height":12,"wpvr_mobile":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0292_preview.jpg","wpvr_mobile-width":1500,"wpvr_mobile-height":2000}}],"settings":{"fit_width":"6","caption":"Photography by Robert Hamacher."}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_area","text_area":"

AK<\/span> What else?<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> I\u2019d discuss with state leaders how to improve education. Education is a state matter, but if I were chancellor, I\u2019d push for a constitutional change: let\u2019s turn the \u2018cooperation ban\u2019 (<\/span>Kooperationsverbot<\/span><\/i>) into a \u2018cooperation mandate\u2019 (<\/span>Kooperationsgebot<\/span><\/i>) ensuring that qualifications across Germany are streamlined and carry equal value. In general, we must invest in education and vocational training. Too many young people leave school without qualifications, and too few children of working-class parents achieve the Abitur. The proportion is much higher in France, for example. <\/span>We should look at other countries to see what they do better than us and what we could learn from them.<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> Why are so many people against fair taxation?<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> Most people simply don\u2019t understand whether a wealth tax would affect them. It\u2019s all about the wealth threshold, which personally I\u2019d set north of one million Euros. Even a modest wealth tax of 0.1 to 1 percent, like the one that\u2019s in place in Switzerland \u2013 hardly a country anyone would accuse of being too socialist \u2013 could generate an extra 22 billion Euros annually. And the rich haven\u2019t left Switzerland, nor have businesses.<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span>AK<\/span> That\u2019s the fear opponents often cite.<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> Exactly. We could also adopt a US law requiring citizens living abroad to report their worldwide income annually and to submit their resident country\u2019s tax declaration to the US tax office. If their worldwide earnings exceed a certain personal allowance, they must deduct tax in the US, too. Surely that\u2019s worth considering? Even learning from the US legal system should not be off the table! [laughs] <\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> We have touched on the educational system in France, the wealth tax in Switzerland, and US tax law. What else can we learn from other countries?<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> Here\u2019s one thing I find quite exciting: In Belgium, all social benefits \u2013 grants for vocational training, scholarships, wages, pensions \u2013 are automatically adjusted to keep pace with inflation. People never lose purchasing power, and neither does the economy. It\u2019s fascinating to see what other countries do differently and successfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> Why is Germany\u2019s economy struggling?<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> Debt is a tricky issue. You should never fund ongoing expenses with debt \u2013 taxes and fees must cover all that. But it\u2019s worth borrowing money in order to invest in the future. Otherwise, the <\/span>\u2018<\/span><\/i>Schuldenbremse\u2019<\/span><\/i> (debt brake \u2013 a German Basic Law restricting annual structural deficits to 0.35% of GDP) becomes a brake on progress. <\/span>The next generation can then take on more debt to invest in the future again, and so on. In particular, we need to invest in education, ecological sustainability, and social responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"images","gallery":[{"ID":119890,"id":119890,"title":"25_02_Sleek_0216_preview","filename":"25_02_Sleek_0216_preview.jpg","filesize":567872,"url":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0216_preview.jpg","link":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/de\/article\/gregor-gysi-an-optimist-by-necessity\/25_02_sleek_0216_preview\/","alt":"","author":"1","description":"","caption":"","name":"25_02_sleek_0216_preview","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":119888,"date":"2025-03-11 15:44:42","modified":"2025-03-11 15:44:42","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":1500,"height":2000,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0216_preview.jpg","thumbnail-width":72,"thumbnail-height":96,"medium":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0216_preview.jpg","medium-width":1500,"medium-height":2000,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0216_preview.jpg","medium_large-width":1500,"medium_large-height":2000,"large":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0216_preview.jpg","large-width":1500,"large-height":2000,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0216_preview-1152x1536.jpg","1536x1536-width":1152,"1536x1536-height":1536,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0216_preview.jpg","2048x2048-width":1500,"2048x2048-height":2000,"trp-custom-language-flag":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0216_preview.jpg","trp-custom-language-flag-width":9,"trp-custom-language-flag-height":12,"wpvr_mobile":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/25_02_Sleek_0216_preview.jpg","wpvr_mobile-width":1500,"wpvr_mobile-height":2000}}],"settings":{"fit_width":"6","caption":"Photography by Robert Hamacher."}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_area","text_area":"

AK<\/span> What is your idea of a good country?<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> A country that never makes cuts in any of the following areas: education and training, arts and culture, healthcare, essential services like water, electricity, mobility, communication, food, and science.<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> Arts and culture are often the first to face cuts.<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> But Art and culture are essential for helping people grapple with contradictions and different perspectives. We need books, theatre, film, art, and music. They all matter. That\u2019s why I believe that certain areas should be off the table when it comes to cuts.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> What would you like to see more of in politics?<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> I\u2019d like to see more transparency and honesty about the reasons behind political decisions. But that\u2019s hard when there\u2019s so much mutual distrust. In a democracy, you can\u2019t always get what you want \u2013 we have to compromise and take other peoples\u2019 opinions into consideration. But a compromise shouldn\u2019t mean taking one step in the right direction and one step in the wrong direction. Every step should move us in the right direction, even if those steps may be smaller than we\u2019d like. That\u2019s easier said than done of course, as we can see in the disagreements between SPD, FDP, and the Greens.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"blockquote","text":"\"Politics is not about truth but about majorities. In other words, politicians only tell the truth when they think it\u2019ll give them a majority. If they think the truth won\u2019t help them reach a majority, they\u2019ll try and come up with something else.\"","source":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_area","text_area":"

AK<\/span> Is that the biggest challenge for democracy?<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> Politics is not about truth but about majorities. In other words, politicians only tell the truth when they think it\u2019ll give them a majority. If they think the truth won\u2019t help them reach a majority, they\u2019ll try and come up with something else. But people can sense this, which is why an increasing number of them now reject the political establishment. We must think about what we need to change rather than echoing the AfD in an attempt to win over their voters. It\u2019s not working, anyway; all it achieves is to legitimise voting for the AfD. Parties should think about what they\u2019re doing wrong and what makes so many people vote for the AfD.<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> Have you asked yourself that question?<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> Yes. We believe that our mistake was neglecting eastern Germany after reunification. This created a vacuum which the AfD filled. We\u2019ve drawn our own conclusions and are trying to correct that mistake now.<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> If we look at Habeck\u2019s Ten Steps plan (<\/span>Zehn-Punkte-Plan<\/span><\/i>), Scholz\u2019s Spiegel cover page, and Merz\u2019s proposed migration curb, they all seem to think that \u2018the foreigners\u2019 are to blame.<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> This election was all about migration; common sense went out the window. They all think the AfD owes its success to its migration policy, and so suddenly they\u2019re all open to the idea of closing our borders.<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> Do you think that\u2019s a useful policy?<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> No. Stricter border controls lead to an increase in illegal immigration. Illegal immigrants have to work cash in hand since they can\u2019t find legal employment which has a negative impact on wages for those working legally. When people are forced to flee their homes because their lives have become unbearably miserable, they will find a way to make it elsewhere. They always do.<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> They have no other choice.<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> Exactly.<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> What gives you hope?<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> Our party\u2019s growing number of members and the passion they radiate, the culture they create, and the enthusiasm they spread. It shows that there plenty of people in the next generation who think differently. I recently saw a poll according to which 19 percent of young people aged between 18 and 29 vote Die Linke. That means we\u2019re tied frontrunners, along with the Greens who are also at 19 percent. I think at this point we have to start adding, really: Greens plus Die Linke. <\/span>That\u2019s encouraging even though I know it\u2019s not enough. All the other parties have less, though. The SPD is at only seven percent which I think is really sad. BSW is only at four percent though. [laughs]<\/span><\/p>\n

AK<\/span> So, are you going to run for Bundeskanzler again?<\/span><\/p>\n

GG<\/span> At this point, elections are basically Make-a-Wish: Mr. Lindner would like to be finance minister again, Ms. Baerbock would like to remain foreign minister, and so Mr. Scholz said, \u2018Well, in that case, I\u2019d also like to stay chancellor.\u2019 Mr. Merz pointed out, \u2018I\u2019m afraid that\u2019s not possible because I want to be chancellor.\u2019 Mr. Habek interrupted, \u2018Hang on a second, I want to be chancellor, too!\u2019 Finally, Ms. Weidel shouted that she should be chancellor. You see, it was a dangerous situation, they were all ready to jump at each other\u2019s throats! I was wondering if I could do anything to deescalate the situation and make them all calm down a bit. Then it came to me: I\u2019ll just do it myself. They were all delighted. Gregor Gysi running for Bundeskanzler was such an absurd, far-fetched proposition, all they could do was laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n"}]},"yoast_head":"\nGregor Gysi: An Optimist by Necessity - Sleek Magazine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Gregor Gysi, a charismatic politician, comedian, and speaker, has shaped German politics since the 1980s, becoming a key figure in Die Linke.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/de\/article\/gregor-gysi-an-optimist-by-necessity\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"de_DE\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Gregor Gysi: An Optimist by Necessity - Sleek Magazine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Gregor Gysi, a charismatic politician, comedian, and speaker, has shaped German politics since the 1980s, becoming a key figure in Die Linke.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/de\/article\/gregor-gysi-an-optimist-by-necessity\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Sleek Magazine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sleekmag\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-03-21T07:22:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-03-24T07:22:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@sleekmag\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@sleekmag\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Verfasst von\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"sleek\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/\",\"name\":\"Sleek Magazine\",\"description\":\"Sleek is Germany\u2019s leading independent media house\/brand for creativity and innovation located in Berlin the creative capital of the world. 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