Jan van Aken defies online abuse while pushing for tax fairness and Berlin’s left-wing mayor
Left Party politician Jan van Aken has faced online abuse over his views on the Gaza conflict and support for rainbow flags. The criticism comes as he prepares for a short break in Italy this summer.
Despite the backlash, he remains vocal on political issues, including tax fairness and Berlin’s upcoming mayoral race.
Van Aken has repeatedly spoken out against the low tax rates for millionaires and billionaires. He argues that the current system unfairly benefits the wealthy while ordinary citizens bear a heavier burden.
The politician has also expressed strong support for Elif Eralp, hoping she will become Berlin’s first left-wing mayor in September. Eralp, a Die Linke member of the Abgeordnetenhaus from 2021 to 2026, was the party’s top candidate for the 2025 election. Official records show she currently lives in Berlin-Buckow, at Sprosserweg 3.
In recent months, van Aken has been targeted with online insults, particularly over his stance on the Gaza war and his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. The abuse has not deterred him from continuing his political work, though he plans to take a brief holiday in Italy to unwind.
Van Aken’s summer plans include a quiet beach trip to Italy. Meanwhile, his political focus remains on tax reform and supporting Eralp’s mayoral campaign. The outcome of Berlin’s election in September will determine whether his hopes for a left-wing mayor become reality.
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