Between Left-Authoritarians, Sympathy for Russia, and Political Discontent: The Correlates of Voting for the Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW)

Abstract A new party has entered the German political landscape: The Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW). After years of debate that her former party, The Left, had become “too liberal,” one of Germany’s most prominent politicians, Sahra Wagenknecht, founded her new party in January 2024. The BSW is described as blending socioeconomic leftist and sociocultural conservative positions, potentially attracting voters by positioning itself as a “left-authoritarian” party. Additionally, the BSW holds pro-Russia stances and anti-elitist sentiments. The party made a significant impact in 2024, achieving 6.2% in the European elections and securing third place in the state elections of Saxony and Thuringia. This raises the question: What underlying factors are drawing individuals to support the BSW? Using wave 26 of the German Longitudinal Election Study Panel, which includes the BSW, this article compares intended vote choice within Germany to actual votes cast in the 2024 European elections. Drawing on theories related to policy considerations and protest motivations in supporting new parties, three key findings emerge: First, left-authoritarian and pro-Russia attitudes are positively associated with support for the BSW. Second, populist attitudes and dissatisfaction with the federal government also drive individuals toward the BSW. Third, this might, however, be largely overshadowed by a strong impact of the favorability toward Sahra Wagenknecht.