Jan van Aken dismisses constitutional-watch claims amid heated anti-Semitism debate

During a Saturday-night appearance on Sandra Maischberger’s programme, former Left Party leader Jan van Aken defended his party against a wave of criticism. He said the statements of the domestic security service were irrelevant to him and portrayed the antisemitism allegations as a marginal issue involving only a few members. Van Aken claimed that the CDU, real-estate lobby and wealthy elites were trying to prevent a left-wing coalition, which explained the intense attacks on the party.

He also rebuked literature critic Denis Scheck for labeling the party’s housing policy as “rat-trapping” and for likening potential coalition partners to dogs. When expert Peter Neumann cited examples such as a regional anti-Zionist resolution and alleged contacts with clan members, Van Aken dismissed the concerns, insisting antisemitism was not tolerated in the party.