I think SPIEGEL is dreaming when it imagines that most Left Party voters were primarily attracted by Lafontaine, or that Gabriel's brand of populism will suit them just as well. Also, I don't understand how SPIEGEL could argue that the Left Party is in danger of losing profile while the SPD is in opposition too in the federal parliament even in theory: that ignores state politics. So, I think the Left Party will stay in the 5-15% band whatever comes. On the other hand, the level of media presence and public recognition the new leaders can achieve, and their ability to hold the different platforms of the party together (and the ambitious second-line leaders down), is an open question for me.

_{*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.}