Radical politician advocates for nationalization of railway operations

German Left Party Leader Calls for Reform of Deutsche Bahn

Jan van Aken, the chairman of the Left Party, has called for significant changes in the German railway company, Deutsche Bahn, following the departure of its CEO, Richard Lutz.

In a recent statement to the Funke media group newspapers, van Aken emphasized the need for "massive investments" and a legal conversion of Deutsche Bahn. He suggested that the company should become a public institution with a non-profit charter, aiming to make travel affordable for all people.

Van Aken criticized the rising annual ticket prices for railway travel in Germany and the abolition of free seat reservation for children. He also pointed out that railway managers are reportedly receiving bonuses in the millions, which he finds unacceptable.

The Left Party leader believes that by making the railway a non-profit institution, it will truly serve the people of Germany. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing reliability and safety for travel by train.

The 9-euro ticket, which has been a bright spot in recent discussions about railway travel, was not directly related to van Aken's criticism or his proposals. The context of its mention suggests it is a separate issue.

Richard Lutz's departure was announced by Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder on Thursday. Lutz will remain available in an executive capacity until a successor is found. The new CEO has not yet been appointed.

Van Aken did not express approval for Lutz's departure, but his comments were made in response to the news. He stressed that the goal for the German railway should be to make travel affordable and reliable for everyone, and to prioritize safety.

In conclusion, van Aken's proposals aim to improve the affordability, reliability, and safety of travel by train in Germany. He believes that by making Deutsche Bahn a public institution with a non-profit charter, it will serve the people of Germany better and become more people-oriented.