Gregor Gysi, the longest-serving member of the German Bundestag, has significantly influenced the Left Party's evolution since German reunification. He became the party leader of the SED during the 1989 revolution and transformed it into the PDS, capturing 16% of the vote in the final East German election. Over his 31-year tenure, Gysi faced challenges, including allegations regarding his past, but has seen a shift in perception toward respect and acknowledgment of his political contributions. He continues to prepare for the upcoming election with other senior Left Party politicians.
Gysi recounted having to earn respect over the decades but concluded that today, things are different: "I believe that a majority in the Bundestag at least recognizes my political work."
Gregor Gysi became party leader shortly and succeeded in doing what few thought possible: He pulled the SED back from the precipice after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The SED adopted the name PDS (Party of Democratic Socialism) and went on to win 16% of the vote in the last and only free East German election.
When I joined the Bundestag in 1990, I was not respected, but hated by some, Gysi recently told Das Parliament.
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