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BSW's Alexander King: Berlin's Left Has a Free Speech Problem

other · 2026-09-03

Alexander King, a former member of Die Linke for nearly 25 years, including 15 years as a parliamentary assistant, has now become the Berlin state chairman and top candidate for the BSW (Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht). He criticizes his former party for what he calls a "Verballhornung" (distortion) of leftist ideas. King aims to introduce a new political culture in the Berlin House of Representatives, focusing on content rather than tactics. If the BSW, currently polling at around 4%, enters the parliament, King plans to draft a corona amnesty law, keep the Bundeswehr out of schools, and prepare a voter veto against parliamentary decisions. The interview explores his motivations for the political break and his views on freedom of speech within Berlin's left.

Key facts

  • Alexander King was a member of the Linkspartei for nearly 25 years.
  • He served as a parliamentary assistant for 15 years.
  • King is now the Berlin state chairman and top candidate for the BSW.
  • He accuses his former party of distorting leftist ideas.
  • The BSW is currently polling at about 4% in Berlin.
  • King plans to draft a corona amnesty law if elected.
  • He wants to keep the Bundeswehr out of schools.
  • He proposes a voter veto against parliamentary decisions.

Entities

Institutions

  • Linkspartei
  • BSW (Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht)
  • Bundestag
  • Berlin House of Representatives (Abgeordnetenhaus)

Locations

  • Berlin
  • Germany

Sources