Die PARTEI
THE PARTY
Left
Satirical
Non-Inscrits
Group in the European Parliament
The PARTEI (Party for Work, Rule of Law, Animal Protection, Elite Promotion and Grassroots Democratic Initiative) is a small German party founded in 2004 by editors of the satirical magazine Titanic. It uses satirical means to criticize political grievances and raise awareness of social issues. Despite its satirical approach, it actively participates in elections and was able to win two seats in the European Parliament in the 2019 European elections. Its chairman is Martin Sonneborn.
Foundation and Background
Foundation and Background
The PARTEI was founded in 2004 by editors of the satirical magazine Titanic. Its full name is 'Party for Work, Rule of Law, Animal Protection, Elite Promotion and Grassroots Democratic Initiative', which results in the acronym 'PARTEI'. The founding idea was to combine political satire with active political engagement to draw attention to grievances and promote political awareness.
Satirical Approach and Political Goals
Satirical Approach and Political Goals
The PARTEI uses satire to comment on political and social issues. Its actions and programs are often provocative and humorously designed to criticize and stimulate discussions. For example, it calls in its program for the 2024 European elections for the abolition of privacy to promote the surveillance of politicians, which constitutes a satirical critique of state surveillance. Despite its satirical character, the PARTEI pursues serious political goals, such as the promotion of freedom of expression and combatting right-wing extremism.
Electoral Successes and Political Participation
Electoral Successes and Political Participation
Since its foundation, the PARTEI has regularly participated in elections. In the 2014 European elections, it won its first seat in the European Parliament, represented by Martin Sonneborn. In 2019, it was able to build on its success and received almost 900,000 votes, allowing it to secure two seats in the European Parliament. These were occupied by Martin Sonneborn and Nico Semsrott. In 2024, the PARTEI was able to maintain its two seats in the European Parliament, represented by Martin Sonneborn and Sibylle Berg.
Structure and Organization
Structure and Organization
The PARTEI is organized nationwide and has numerous state and local associations.