The Berlin Left Party has officially decided to invite the Green Party and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) for exploratory talks aimed at forming a new government. The decision was made on Friday evening by a broad majority of delegates at a party conference. “We have a huge responsibility that we must now fulfill,” stated lead candidate Elif Eralp.
Left Party to Lead Coalition Discussions
The party leadership was expected to send official invitations to the Greens and SPD the same evening. The Left Party emerged as the strongest force in the recent election for the Berlin House of Representatives, and its lead candidate, Elif Eralp, aims to become the Governing Mayor for the first time.
Greens and SPD Ready for Talks
Following the positive vote, exploratory talks could commence next week, though no specific dates have been set. These initial discussions are not yet coalition negotiations but rather an opportunity for the parties to outline their key priorities and assess the feasibility of formal coalition talks. The Left Party reportedly plans to meet separately with the Greens and SPD initially, before progressing to trilateral discussions.
The Berlin Greens immediately confirmed their readiness for exploratory talks. “We welcome the Left Party’s decision to initiate exploratory talks with the SPD and us Greens. Berlin awaits a stable government. We are ready to enter negotiations as soon as possible,” stated Nina Stahr and Philmon Ghirmai, co-chairs of the Green Party.
SPD state party leader Steffen Krach had also expressed general readiness for such talks on Thursday, though he emphasized that this does not automatically lead to concrete coalition negotiations. Cansel Kiziltepe, deputy SPD state chair, and other left-leaning SPD officials advocated for coalition negotiations with the Left Party and Greens. “Berliners opted for left-wing policies on election day,” the Social Senator told dpa. “Even though the SPD suffered significant losses, our common ground with the Left and Greens is evident.”
Antisemitism Debate Overshadows Party Conference
The party conference was overshadowed by accusations of antisemitism against the Left Party. Kerstin Wolter, co-chair of the Berlin Left Party, admitted to errors in her party’s handling of Israel-critical statements. She acknowledged that comments made during the debate on the Middle East conflict had crossed boundaries and instilled fear in Jewish people. Wolter stressed that such statements do not represent the Left Party and that the party is now obligated to address these incidents. She also called for a clearer distinction between legitimate criticism of Israel and antisemitism.
“Jewish people must feel safe in our city,” said lead candidate and new parliamentary group leader Eralp at the conference. “I will strengthen diverse Jewish life and combat antisemitism,” she added. At the same time, she reiterated her rejection of antisemitism accusations against her party and criticized those who make such allegations. “While a fascist party in Saxony-Anhalt is on the verge of gaining power, these people seriously believe they can prevent a democratic party that stands for social justice, diversity, and democracy with this agitation.” She, in turn, accused the CDU in Berlin of ignoring the Palestinian community. Eralp affirmed her commitment to protecting all people in Berlin. The 45-year-old also condemned recent calls for violence against Israeli military personnel at a Left Party event in Neukölln, deeming such statements unacceptable.
SPD Resistance to Coalition
Parts of the Berlin SPD have consistently criticized the Left Party for its stances on the Middle East conflict and antisemitism. Resistance to a coalition with the Left Party, as the election winner, is emerging within the SPD. Former Governing Mayors Michael Müller and Walter Momper, among others, have warned against entering exploratory talks with the Left Party. Like the SPD, the Greens had also urged the Left Party to unequivocally clarify its stance against antisemitism and for the protection of Jewish life, a point reiterated by state chairs Stahr and Ghirmai on Friday evening.
Green Exploratory Team Formed
The Greens have already assembled their exploratory team, consisting of lead candidates Werner Graf and Bettina Jarasch, and state chairs Nina Stahr and Philmon Ghirmai. This was decided by the state executive committee of the Berlin Greens, the party announced on Friday. Initial preliminary discussions with the Left Party had already taken place this week, as confirmed by both sides to rbb. They agreed to first discuss security and the protection of Jewish and queer life, as well as the fight against antisemitism and racism, according to Left Party chair Kerstin Wolter and Green co-faction leader Graf. Social cohesion must also be addressed. The Greens intend to involve their party members closely before any potential government formation. Should the exploratory talks be successful, a small party conference will decide on entering coalition negotiations, according to a statement from the Berlin state association.
Further Sticking Points
The issue of antisemitism is not the only sticking point in government formation. At the Left Party conference, many speakers, including federal chair Ines Schwerdtner, advocated for the expropriation of large housing companies with compensation – a central campaign demand of the Left Party. The plan, which received majority support in a 2021 referendum in Berlin, must now be implemented swiftly. The Left Party aims to bring an additional 220,000 apartments into municipal ownership and curb rising rents. The Greens support this, while SPD leader Krach opposes it.
CDU in Waiting
In addition to the Left, Greens, and SPD, a coalition of CDU, Greens, and SPD is also a possibility. However, this option is currently considered unlikely but could become relevant if negotiations led by the Left Party fail, as a red-green-red coalition is by no means a foregone conclusion. Another sticking point, besides antisemitism, is the Left Party’s demand for the expropriation of large housing companies with compensation. Their goal is to bring an additional 220,000 apartments into municipal ownership and curb rising rents. The Greens also support implementing this plan, which received majority support in a 2021 referendum. SPD lead candidate Steffen Krach, however, stated during the election campaign that there would be no expropriations under his leadership.
Source: https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/berlin/berlin-linke-parteitag-100.html
