By Julian Robinson for MailOnline
Published: 11:06 EST, 2 January 2019 | Updated: 04:55 EST, 3 January 2019
Germany is braced for its own Yellow Vest movement after the leader of the left-wing 'Aufstehen' group vowed to take to the streets this year.
Sahra Wagenknecht set up the movement - which translates as Get Up - last year in a bid to revive the fortunes of Germany's ailing left by attracting like-minded people across party lines.
Taking inspiration from widespread protests across France at the end of 2018, Wagenknecht revealed she has 'big plans' for the movement, which has 170,000 members.
Germany is braced for its own Yellow Vest movement after Sahra Wagenknecht (pictured), the leader of the left-wing 'Aufstehen' group, vowed to take to the streets this year
Tens of thousands took to the streets in France during November and December and there were violent scenes as protesters clashed with police over issues ranging from fuel tax hikes to education reforms
She said the French demonstrations boosted her belief that it was possible to bring about change without being a political party.
Tens of thousands took to the streets in France during November and December and there were violent scenes as protesters clashed with police over issues ranging from fuel tax hikes to education reforms.
According to the Guardian, Wagenknecht said: 'We have big plans for next year, not least because we recognise when people go on to the streets to protest – especially those who have not had a political voice for many years who rediscover their voice by protesting – then political change can happen.
'This is what we're seeing in France right now.'
The 49-year-old pointed to inequality in Germany and the lack of action being taken to tackle the issue properly as being among motivating factors for possible protests.
But she author and economist insisted she did not back violence, but added that 'at the same time you have to recognise that it is a clear expression of pent-up anger. It doesn't just come out of nowhere.'
Taking inspiration from widespread protests across France at the end of 2018, Wagenknecht revealed she has 'big plans' for the movement, which has 170,000 members
Wagenknecht said the French demonstrations boosted her belief that it was possible to bring about change without being a political party
Wagenknecht warned that the movement would be 'visible on the street and in the public eye in 2019' without giving specific details.
In September, the parliamentary chairperson of the Left Party said that Germans were 'witnessing a crisis of democracy' and that her new group would reach citizens who 'no longer feel represented' by mainstream politics.
Despite attracting support from the likes of historians, prominent actors and writers, her initiative has drawn criticism - including from some who fear it could end up harming her own party.
Others have suggested she intends to set up her own party - something she denies.
She said a key challenge would be to persuade Germans to take to the streets - in contrast to France which has a 'd ifferent protest culture'.
But she added that Germans ' will realise that they are far more able to put pressure on the government if they go out and protest.'
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