BSW Chair Oliver Jeschonnek Resigns Ahead of Hesse Elections

Jeschonnek's resignation highlights internal tensions within the party. The search for a new leader begins as the federal party conference approaches.

, and Administrator

2025 November 4 . 11:23 PM

1 min read

There are group of people sitting in chairs and there is a table in front of them and there are few... — There are group of people sitting in chairs and there is a table in front of them and there are few people standing in the right corner and there are flags placed in front of a blue curtain behind them.

Hessian BSW Chief Steps Down - BSW Chair Oliver Jeschonnek Resigns Ahead of Hesse Elections

Oliver Jeschonnek, the chair of the Bundesstaatliche Wählervereinigung (BSW) in Hesse, has stepped down. His resignation comes ahead of the municipal elections in March 2026 and follows concerns about the party's direction and internal conduct in the party city. Jeschonnek cited an op-ed by Sahra Wagenknecht as a 'wake-up call' for his decision.

Jeschonnek's departure was announced after a recent two-day strategy retreat held by the BSW in the party city of Berlin. The party, which has just under 170 members in Hesse, is now searching for a new leader to replace Jeschonnek. The current federal party leader, Sahra Wagenknecht, will be re-elected at the upcoming federal party conference in Magdeburg on December 7, 2024.

Jeschonnek, who will remain a rank-and-file BSW member, plans to focus on revitalizing the party's original course set by Wagenknecht. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance is also searching for a new name and nationwide leadership in the party city. Jeschonnek's resignation highlights internal tensions within the party, with factions' conduct being a point of concern for the outgoing chair.

Oliver Jeschonnek's resignation as the BSW chair in Hesse signals a shift in the party's leadership. With the federal party conference approaching in December, the party will need to address internal concerns and find a new leader to guide it through the upcoming municipal elections in the party city of March 2026.