Berlin, April 15, (dpa/GNA) – Jan van Aken announced in Berlin on Wednesday, that he is stepping down from his role as co-chair of Germany’s The Left party in June for health reasons.
The 64-year-old had originally intended to stand for re-election alongside his co-chair, Ines Schwerdtner, at the party conference in Potsdam.
“Contrary to previous plans, I am unfortunately unable to stand for re-election as party leader at The Left’s federal party conference in June,” he said. “For health reasons, I must step down from my post in June.”
He said he is not suffering from a life-threatening illness, and there is no cause for major concern. “Nevertheless, I must look after myself. I am doing so.”
He will continue to serve his mandate in the Bundestag until the end of the legislative term. He was elected to parliament via the Hamburg regional list. He will also remain available to the party, and will remain in the leadership alongside Schwerdtner until the party conference.
Both were elected as co-leaders in October 2024. At the time, the party was in a deep crisis, with poll ratings of just 2 to 3%. However, the duo managed to turn things around, and in the 2025 federal election the party returned to parliament with 8.8% of the vote.
“This step is very difficult for me because I had always planned things differently,” van Aken continued, thanking Schwerdtner for their collaboration.
“I think the party is on the right track.”
The Left Party has made significant gains in all four elections held in Germany this year. Contrary to the party’s hopes, however, it failed to clear the 5% threshold in the state elections in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate.
GNA