Berlin’s Left Party approves coalition talks with Social Democrats and Greens

Berlin’s Left Party has approved coalition talks with the Social Democrats and Greens after winning the most votes in the September state election.

The three parties aim to form a state government led by the Left, which could make its candidate Elif Eralp Berlin’s governing mayor.

The current governing coalition of the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats lost its majority.

Talks are due to begin Monday, based on a preliminary agreement the three parties reached earlier.

That agreement includes a proposal to transfer about 160,000 homes owned by five companies into public ownership with compensation, a plan opposed by business groups.

The parties also plan to include commitments against antisemitism and to protect Jewish life in a coalition deal, with possible penalties for violations still under discussion.

The negotiations follow internal disputes and public criticism of the Left, including debate over how it addresses antisemitism and its links to pro-Palestinian activists.

Whether the three parties can agree on a coalition remains to be seen.