Brandenburg’s Antisemitismusbeauftragter, Andreas Büttner, has resigned his membership in the Linkspartei (The Left Party), citing disagreements over the evaluation of Israel’s actions and a lack of support for his position.
A Party Divided
Büttner stated he hesitated for a long time, having been connected to the party for many years, but ultimately concluded he could no longer remain a member without compromising his convictions.
He emphasized that he received support from the SPD, CDU and Grünen during his election as Antisemitismusbeauftragter in 2024. Büttner described what he has experienced within his own party as “all the more shocking.”
Controversial Resolutions
Specifically, Büttner pointed to a decision by the Linkspartei’s regional conference in Niedersachsen to reject Zionism and label Israel as a “genocidal state” and an “apartheid state.” He stated these resolutions are “unacceptable” to him.
Büttner also reported experiencing attacks from party members, particularly on social media, with what he described as limited response from the party itself. “Instead of support, I experienced relativization,” he wrote, adding that his own regional association remained largely silent in the face of attacks against him.
A pending party exclusion proceeding against him represents, according to Büttner, a culmination of these developments. He stated the Bundesschiedskommission informed him that the motion against him was not unfounded, describing the situation as “politically absurd”—that the state’s Antisemitismusbeauftragter is facing exclusion from his own party for clearly naming antisemitism.
Büttner stated he could no longer reconcile his conscience with continued membership in the Linkspartei, nor could he fulfill his responsibility as Brandenburg’s representative in combating antisemitism. He previously served as Staatssekretär in the Brandenburg Ministry for Labor, Social Affairs, Health, Women and Family in 2018, after joining the Linkspartei in 2015 following a prior career with the FDP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Andreas Büttner to leave the Linkspartei?
Disagreements over the evaluation of Israel’s actions, specifically a resolution by the Linkspartei in Niedersachsen to reject Zionism and label Israel as a “genocidal state” and an “apartheid state,” and a lack of support for his position prompted his resignation.
Did Büttner receive support from other parties when he was appointed?
Yes, Büttner stated he received support from the SPD, CDU, and Grünen when he was elected as Brandenburg’s Antisemitismusbeauftragter in 2024.
Is Büttner facing a party exclusion proceeding?
Yes, a party exclusion proceeding is currently pending against Büttner, with the Bundesschiedskommission indicating the motion against him is not unfounded.
How will this internal conflict within the Linkspartei affect the broader political landscape in Brandenburg?
