The PDS tests the West: the party of Democratic Socialism's campaign to become a Pan-German socialist party

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McKay, J., 2004. The PDS tests the West: the party of Democratic Socialism's campaign to become a Pan-German socialist party. Journal of Communist Studies and Transition Politics, 20 (2), pp. 50-72. ISSN 1352-3279

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Abstract

Since German reunification the post-communist Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS) has been widely regarded as the articulator of eastern German interests within the political system of the Federal Republic. However, the party's leadership does not want it to be merely a regional interest party, but a 'modern socialist party' with nationwide support. It faces difficulties in this, however, associated with its perceived identity as an 'eastern', leftist party, and its ability to attract largely idealist leftist supporters in the west. The reunited city of western Berlin provides the PDS with a testing-ground for its strategies for western expansion in general. However, the party is unlikely to achieve a breakthrough in the west of Germany unless it abandons its self-proclaimed special responsibility to serve eastern interests. Furthermore, an east-west conflict prevails within the PDS which has both cultural and ideological dimensions, and this could prove divisive in such a heterogeneous party.

Item Type:

Journal article

Publication Title:

Journal of Communist Studies and Transition Politics

Creators:

McKay, J.

Publisher:

Taylor & Francis (Routledge)

Place of Publication:

Abingdon

Date:

2004