Ines Schwerdtner, co-leader of The Left (Die Linke) since October 2024, emphasizes the need for the party to develop a class consciousness and return to socialist principles, moving away from vague terminology. She advocates for the party to focus on the interests of the working class, combatting rising right-wing extremism, and addressing social issues like high rents and low wages. Schwerdtner, a Marxist and former editor of Jacobin, highlights the importance of educating new members in Marxist fundamentals and organizing a disciplined party structure. She criticizes the current coalition politics, especially the influence of pro-capitalist policies within the party, and calls for a clear stance against imperialist wars, including the Ukraine conflict and Israeli-Palestinian tensions. Schwerdtner defends symbolic gestures like the Palestinian keffiyeh, but urges focus on substantive policy debates. She criticizes the upcoming German government for its neoliberal and pro-military orientation, citing the appointment of wealthy business figures to ministerial roles and the continuation of policies favoring the rich. Schwerdtner warns that the party must prepare for the intensifying global imperialist conflicts, advocating for a Marxist approach to anti-war activism and social justice. The party's recent growth, with over 50,000 new members, especially young women, presents an opportunity for renewed activism. However, Schwerdtner warns that the party's future success depends on its ability to develop a coherent, strategic program that addresses economic inequalities, militarism, and international conflicts. She also stresses the importance of building a movement that can challenge the dominant capitalist system and push for democratic socialism. Overall, Schwerdtner's leadership aims to reposition The Left as a disciplined, class-based socialist party committed to anti-imperialist and social justice struggles in Germany and beyond.