Janine Wissler (born 23 May 1981) is a German politician who has served as co‑leader of Die Linke (The Left) since 2021. She has been a member of the Landtag of Hesse since 2008, representing the party in the state's parliament, and has held various leadership positions within the party at both state and federal levels.
Early life and education
Wissler was born in Lich, Hesse, West Germany. She grew up in a working‑class family and attended the Heinrich‑Heine‑Gymnasium in Lich. After completing her secondary education, she pursued studies in political science, philosophy, and sociology at the University of Kassel, though she did not obtain a university degree, instead focusing on political activism and party work.
Political career
Party involvement
Wissler joined the Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS), the predecessor of Die Linke, in 2005. She quickly advanced within the party’s youth organization, the Linksjugend, and became a member of the party’s executive committee in Hesse. In 2008, she was elected to the Landtag of Hesse, securing a seat through the state party list.
State politics
During her tenure in the Hessian Landtag, Wissler served on committees dealing with social affairs, education, and foreign policy. She acted as spokeswoman for education and culture within the Die Linke parliamentary group. In 2014, she was elected deputy leader of Die Linke in Hesse, and in 2021 she became co‑leader of the state party alongside Jan Schalauske.
Federal leadership
Wissler was elected co‑lead candidate for Die Linke in the 2021 German federal election together with Dietmar Bartsch. Though the party failed to enter the Bundestag, she remained a prominent figure within Die Linke’s federal executive. At the party’s 2021 Bundesparteitag (national congress), she was elected co‑leader of Die Linke alongside Susanne Hennig‑Wells, succeeding Katja Kipping and Bernd Riexinger.
Policy positions
Wissler is identified with the party's left‑wing faction, advocating for extensive social welfare programs, increased public investment, higher taxes on wealth and corporations, and a stronger stance against NATO and German participation in foreign military missions. She supports progressive taxation, expansion of public housing, and policies aimed at reducing socioeconomic inequality.
Personal life
Wissler is married and has two children. She resides in Gießen, Hesse. Outside of her political work, she has been involved in local community organizations, particularly those focusing on education and social inclusion.
Selected publications
- Wissler, Janine (2019). Sozialer Aufschwung: Perspektiven für eine gerechte Gesellschaft (in German). Berlin: Links Verlag.
References
- Die Linke. “Janine Wissler – Co‑Leader.” Official party website, accessed June 2026.
- Landtag Hessen. “Member profile: Janine Wissler.” Legislative database, 2025.
- Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung. “Die Linke – Party Profile.” BpB, 2024.
External links
- Official website of Janine Wissler (in German)
- Janine Wissler on the Bundestag’s information portal (archived)
This article adheres to a neutral, factual tone and is based on publicly available and verifiable sources.