Executive Committee Meeting, September 18 to 19, 2016

We could close the election year 2016 with a victory! DIE LINKE in Berlin wins additional 3.9 percent while voter turnout has increased and will enter the Berlin House of Representatives as third strongest party (15.6%). For the first time, DIE LINKE could reach a double-digit figure in the Western parts of Berlin, in the East it became strongest party. Altogether, DIE LINKE could gain in the districts and will in future be represented in all district parliaments.

Great campaign, great results: We thank you!

The PEC congratulated prime candidate Klaus Lederer and campaign manager Katina Schubert to this outstanding result. We thank everyone who campaigned in the last weeks and month and wish DIE LINKE in Berlin success for the upcoming political challenges.

Demonstrations against TTIP and CETA

The PEC gave a positive summary of the German wide demonstrations against free trade agreements TTIP and CETA on September 17 at which DIE LINKE was well represented and visible. We will continue to fight against both agreements.

The PEC evaluated results of communal elections in Lower Saxony and thanked all campaigners. Statewide we gained 0.9 percent and in some towns reached excellent results. In future, DIE LINKE has 304 communal mandates (formerly 239) and can thus extend its communal anchoring. Those are good preconditions for a successful Land parliamentary election in January 2018.

The PEC exchanged about news on the EU summit in Bratislava, on the newest devastating developments in Syria, and on the rightwing attacks in Saxon town Bautzen.

The PEC received the report of DIE LINKE representatives in the executive board of the Party of the European Left (EL), the state of preparation regarding the EL Congress from 16 to 18 December in Berlin, and a draft for the Political Document to be debated at the Congress. Furthermore, it recommended the Federal Committee to support the candidacy of Gregor Gysi for chair of the EL.

The PEC resolved to support the peace demonstration on October 8 and provides first financial means for the representation of DIE LINKE at the 37^th Protestant Church Congress next year. It received a report on the participations of the party and confirmed the treasurer’s approach.

The PEC led an initial debate on the strategic approach for federal elections 2017 and tasked the Executive Board with a new submission during its October meeting.

With solidary greetings,

i.V. Claudia Gohde