that expelling "30 or 35 bandits is a necessary process of cleaning up." Gorbachev's rise to power in the Soviet Union and the consequent reform policies of perestroika and glasnost affected the German Marxist–Leninist organizations. In the SEW, a rift developed between more liberal individual members, who appreciated Gorbachev's policies as a chance to revive leftist movements in Europe on one hand, and the leadership that chose to ignore the reforms in the USSR, as did their mentors in East Germany. At the time of German reunification, the SEW was first renamed as Socialist Initiative (), then disbanded in 1991. Most of the activists who wished to stay involved in politics joined the Party of Democratic Socialism. The youth league of the SEW was known as the Socialist Youth League Karl Liebknecht. Electoral results to the Abgeordnetenhaus (House of Representatives) of West Berlin 1954 – 41,375 (2.7%, as SED) 1958 – 31,572 (2.0%, as SED) 1963 – 20,929 (1.4%) 1967 – 29,925 (2.0%) 1971 – 33,845 (2.3%) 1975 – 25,105 (1.8%) 1979 – 13,744 (1.1%) 1981 – 8,176 (0.6%) 1985 – 7,731 (0.6%) 1989 – 6,875 (0.6%) Notes and references Notes References External links Jenny Niederstadt, “Erbitten Anweisung!“ Die West-Berliner SEW und ihre Tageszeitung „Die Wahrheit“ auf SED-Kurs (a paper on the history of the party; in German) Defunct communist parties in Germany Political parties established in 1962 Politics of Berlin West Berlin Political parties disestablished in 1991 Socialist Unity Party of Germany 1962 establishments in Germany 1991 disestablishments in Germany