Susanne Lang

Can you tell us who you are and what you do?

- I work somewhere between digital strategy, organizational fine-tuning, and an inbox that never quite reaches zero. As Head of Digitalization and Organization at Die Linke, I make sure that things happen that once seemed unlikely — or at least get done on time-ish.

I split my time between Berlin and Strausberg in Brandenburg — where I recently led the campaign for Die Linke's mayoral candidate. Being rooted in both places keeps the work concrete: organizing isn't abstract when you're doing it on your own doorstep.

You are hosting the panel What does a left party of the future look like? Which is a challenging topic. Why do you think it is important to talk about partys today?

- Capital is constantly reorganising itself in its endless pursuit of concentrating resources in the hands of a few while exploiting the many. The only way to stop this once and for all—and to create something new—is to organise those affected. Parties are the one form of organisation capable of doing so. As organisations of the many, the parties we know today emerged alongside industrialisation and the early formation of democratic states. But now, as democratic states are increasingly challenged from the right and from the capital across much of the Western world, we need to renew mass organisations in order to stabilise our fundamental social foundation: democracy itself. Only if people come together again will they be able to counter attacks from both capital and the right on the achievements of the working class.

At the same time, the era of classical industrial modernity is long behind us. Even Fordism has passed, and few people are willing to organise themselves within traditional party structures defined solely by hierarchy and obedience. People seek meaningful participation and want to have a real say. They demand flexibility, as their lives are often difficult to control—especially when it comes to working hours and predictable free time. Individuals want to maintain their uniqueness while still acting collectively. They may long for structure, yet resist rigid hierarchies.

As we all know: There is no going back to the past. We must reinvent parties so they can offer exactly this: strong collective power combined with vibrant internal democracy and effective leadership; individual empowerment alongside strong communities; a diversity of issues and perspectives, paired with clear political focus and most importantly: meaningful relationships and joy in the party life. 

So the question we need to ask today: how do we reinvent our organisations?

Can you share with us something that keeps you coming back to the good fight?

- When I look at the world today, I often feel a deep sense of anxiety. The only way I know to move beyond that feeling of helplessness—and to find the courage and hope to attempt the impossible again—is through a good, inspiring conversation with friends.

There are few things more fulfilling than walking away from such a conversation with a clearer sense of the world, having learned something new, and feeling ready to take the next step together.