Nam Duy Nguyen: A pioneer in Saxony for migration policy

Nam Duy Nguyen: A pioneer in Saxony for migration policy

A remarkable change in the Saxon state parliament has drawn attention to the special role of Nam Duy Nguyen. The 28-year-old politician of the left is not only the first non-white MP in this body, but also brought a fresh perspective on politics in Saxony. Nguyen's rise is not only a personal success, but also a sign of the need for change within the political landscape of the federal state.

His election campaign began under the motto that "people like me do not run in Saxony". This could be interpreted as a kind of call to represent diversity in politics. While he and his team contacted over 50,000 households in his constituency, the discussions of topics of migration policy quickly shifted to pressing social concerns such as public transport and the high cost of living. Nguyen and his approximately 300 volunteers held more than 14,000 discussions, which represents an unprecedented mobilization and led to his choice to the Saxon Parliament.

Positive response and challenges in the election campaign

DIE LINKE gives Nguyen's direct mandate back an important place in the state parliament, whereby he and Juliane Nagel saved the party, although the left received only 4.5 percent of the second votes. Nguyen realizes that the left has lost its status as an anti-establishment party and describes the desire to regain trust. Topics that burn in the population - such as affordable living space and high inflation - were often ignored by other parties. Nguyen brought his own life story, which is shaped by an immigrant family, into the political discourse. This helped him to convey to the voters that he knows their worries and takes seriously.

The financing of his election campaign was a challenge. At a time when every support counts, the Campact platform jumped in to enable Nguyen to finance 25,000 euros. This was a crucial factor to implement his campaign strategy. However, this support was criticized; The Greens in particular turned against Nguyen and accused him of not opening his political views at the front door. Nguyen rejected this accusation and regretted that the debate was too much focused on him.

Nguyen's success is not only the result of his personal efforts, but also an indication of a possible departure within the left. He does not see his move into parliament as the end, but as the beginning of changes that are necessary to position the left as a strong political force in Germany. His presence in the state parliament could give new impulses and encourage the left to tackle the topics that are really important to the citizens.