Formation and Early Years (1994-1999)
The origins of déi Lénk (The Left) can be traced back to the early 1990s. During the Cold War, American-led anti-communist campaigns worldwide helped the rise of neoliberal thinking, sidelining communist and social-democratic ideas. This shift led to the abandonment of these ideas in favor of a more antisocial “laissez-faire” politics. In Luxembourg, by 1994, a politically active group sought a new political home left of the Socialist Party (LSAP). This led to the founding of Nei Lénk (The New Left), which comprised former members of the Luxembourg Communist Party (KPL), sympathizers, members of the Fourth International (Trotskyists), trade unionists, feminists, and others.
In the 1994 elections, Nei Lénk competed with the KPL for the leftist vote, but neither party secured a seat in parliament. For the KPL, it was the first time since 1945 that it wasn’t represented in the Chamber of Deputies.
Establishment of déi Lénk (1999)
Following the electoral defeat in 1994 and the competition between Nei Lénk and KPL, a new political movement emerged in 1999. déi Lénk was formed not as a coalition between Nei Lénk and the KPL, but as a new movemement aiming to unite the left. The founding members included individuals from both Nei Lénk and the KPL, many of whom remain active 25 years later.
The political objectives of déi Lénk were not only to overthrow capitalism but to fight for a more egalitarian, democratic, cooperative, and humane society. They opposed the excessive commercialization and privatization promoted by neoliberal governments worldwide and in Luxembourg.
Early Electoral Success and Challenges (1999-2009)
For the 1999 elections, déi Lénk and the KPL presented a joint list, avoiding a repeat of the previous split vote. The political message of déi Lénk resonated with voters, and just months after its founding, André Hoffmann became the first parliamentary representative of the party. A year later, in 2000, Hoffmann became deputy mayor (Schäffen, échevin) of Esch-sur-Alzette. Hoffmann then resigned as an MP and was succeeded by Alyose Bisdorff of the KPL, who, following the rotation principle of the party, was replace by Serge Urbany.
A disagreement with the KPL led to separate lists being presented in the 2004 elections, resulting in neither party winning a seat in parliament. Despite this setback, déi Lénk maintained its momentum by engaging in issues outside of parliament, including campaigning against the EU’s neoliberal constitution and mobilizing against the Luxembourg government’s ultra-liberal projects.
Consolidation and Growth (2009-present)
In the 2009 elections, déi Lénk regained its seat in parliament, with André Hoffmann returning as a deputy. Since 2013, the party has consistently held two seats in the Chamber of Deputies. Serge Urbany and Justin Turpel were elected as MP’s and were succeeded by Marc Baum and David Wagner. The current representatives, David Wagner and Marc Baum, are founding members who have supported the movement and its values for over two decades.
In recent years, déi Lénk has expanded its focus to include greater awareness of environmental and climate issues, aligning its objectives with ecosocialist principles. While the party remains committed to fighting for a more egalitarian and democratic society, it now also emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship.
Current Position and Future Outlook
Today, déi Lénk describes its political stance as ecosocialist, reflecting its dual commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability. The party continues to play an active role in Luxembourg’s political landscape, advocating for policies that promote equality, democracy, and ecological responsibility.
Through its history, déi Lénk has navigated the challenges of political fragmentation and neoliberal dominance, emerging as a steadfast advocate for leftist ideas in Luxembourg. As the party looks to the future, it remains dedicated to building a more just and sustainable society for all.
