People & Politics | The Left Party Put to the Test

The Left Party in Germany has consistently faired well in elections. And in the recent European election,the party was once again hoping to improve on its showing,but instead received just 7.5 percent of the vote. The Left party has failed to capitalize on the economic crisis. Party leader Oskar Lafontaine has been criticized by many of the rank and file as arrogant and autocratic. Now a dispute is threatening to split the party,pitting pragmatist elements against the more radical wing. We take a look at two members representing the very different streams in the Left Party - Sahra Wagenknecht of the Communist platform and the candidate for State Premier in Thuringen,Bodo Ramelow.