There were times when model leftist Sahra Wagenknecht (54) shied away from big business the way the devil shies away from holy water for image reasons. Gone: Since founding his new party BSW, he has put his fortune in the hands of a rich man of all people, who has to take care of the finances.
At times Ralf Suikt (58) from Karlsruhe really proved his luck. True to his status, he traveled in his Porsche Cayenne and really had a good time. The graduate in administration had sold the legal software company he had founded for a high three-figure sum and was living the life of a private person.
Gone: The son of a wealthy civil servant is now committed to “distributive justice”, for example through his “Fair Responsibility” initiative. In 2021 he co-founded “Taxmeno”, an initiative with which wealthy people seek to achieve better distribution for the common good.
Ralf Suikt has by no means given up his belief in the social market economy. On the contrary: “It’s the only working economic model,” he says. However, it needs “strong and smart guard rails”.
Suicat had never been to a party before, and the Karlsruhe native had only known Wagenknecht, who had lived in the Saarland for a year. They were introduced to each other at Suikat’s request by a mutual acquaintance, who was following a discussion about the planned establishment of a party.
What inspires him? As a traffic light voter he was disappointed that the FDP had blocked any tax increases. Also, he is an “impact investor” and always keeps the social aspect in mind while making financial commitments apart from returns. His company 4L (“Live, Love, Learn, Leave a Legacy”) owns shares in vegan brand Veganz and charging station start-up Numbat. “I want to make a systemic impact and impact society,” says Suikat.
He himself donated to Wagenknecht’s BSW, but sees himself more as the party’s new treasurer. Suikat collects donations. The money will return for the first time after successful entry into the European elections.
