Several suspected cases of sexual assault brought Germany’s Left Party into sharp criticism. The pressure is also growing on Left Party leader Janine Wissler. Several cases of sexual abuse of young members in Hesse were uncovered last week. As a result, Wissler’s co-chair Susanne Hennig-Wellsow announced her immediate resignation on Wednesday.
In connection with the suspected cases of sexual harassment, there is also the assumption that the party tried to cover up details. The leader of the left vehemently rejects this: “I firmly reject the assumption that I had known about allegations of sexual harassment in the Hesse state association before the end of 2021,” she says, adding that there was never an attempt “to do anything cover up.”
Wissler would like to continue to stand behind her party. “It’s about nothing less than the existence of the Left Party.” She resolutely opposed speculation about her own resignation and sees herself as having a “responsibility to regain trust.” On behalf of the party, the party leader apologized to everyone who had sexist experiences have done in their party.
She promises: All cases should be “on the table”. There will be a comprehensive explanation.
