Berlin’s Left party clears path for potential coalition government

The proposed coalition, led by Left party leader Dielem Eralp, has drawn controversy across Germany. Eralp reaffirmed her intention to become Berlin’s first Left party mayor, stating, “We will not be intimidated, and I will not give up.” She criticized attempts to pressure the Green and SPD parties away from the coalition, claiming it constitutes an “attack wave.”

Left party federal chairwoman Ines Schwerdtner described the situation as a “historic opportunity.”

The Left party secured 25.7 percent of the vote in the September 20th state election, making it the strongest force in Berlin. The CDU received 18.8 percent, followed by the AfD (16.3 percent), the Greens (14.3 percent), and the SPD (12.1 percent). This result ended the previous CDU/SPD coalition’s majority.

A preliminary paper outlining the coalition’s goals, presented two weeks ago, proposes the transfer of approximately 160,000 apartments from five corporations into public ownership. This would be a unique undertaking in Germany and aims to curb “rent gouging,” according to Eralp.

The plan faces opposition from German business associations, and the federal government (comprising SPD and CDU) intends to block it with new legislation. The SPD is also conducting a membership survey regarding the Berlin coalition. Left and Green parties plan to put the final coalition agreement to a vote by their members.

Approximately 80 people protested against the coalition negotiations on the sidelines of the party conference in Lichtenberg, criticizing the leadership for potentially compromising core principles. Many demonstrators voiced solidarity with Palestinians, chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Yalla Intifada.”

The coalition process has been overshadowed by a debate over combating antisemitism. This followed incidents involving Left party members, including Ibrahim Ibrahim’s attendance at a Left party election event in Neukölln. Ibrahim is designated as an activist of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a group considered a terrorist organization by the EU and the United States, though he denies supporting terrorism or antisemitism.

Prior to the negotiations, Left, Green, and SPD parties agreed on a joint declaration regarding antisemitism, the existence of Israel, and the protection of Jewish life, which is expected to be incorporated into the coalition agreement. Sanctions, including potential expulsion from the parliamentary group, are considered for violations.

The issue of security has also come to the forefront after a Spiegel report revealed Eralp’s concerns about the safety of her family due to her comments on a Palestinian activist, whom Vanessa Emde, a Left party member, publicly supports. Eralp stated she has received threats and hate mail. She was placed under police protection at the party conference.

Eralp emphasized her commitment to protecting all Berliners and combating all forms of hatred, antisemitism, and racism. She pledged to create policies for a good life in safety and dignity for everyone.

Left party federal chairwoman Schwerdtner defended Eralp and criticized the Spiegel report as a “shameful campaign.” Kerstin Wolter, the Left’s parliamentary group leader, rejected accusations of antisemitism, arguing that condemning the genocide in Gaza should not be equated with antisemitism. She emphasized the party’s special responsibility to protect Jewish life, stating that Israel’s existence is rooted in the need for a safe haven for Jews, and that supporting Israel’s right to exist is not contradictory to advocating for a Palestinian state. Wolter condemned the legitimization of violence and terror against civilians.