Politics · Germany · 5 hrs ago
Giffey refuses to lead Berlin coalition talks with the Greens and Left
Franziska Giffey has refused to lead the SPD’s economic talks for a possible Berlin coalition with the Greens and the Left.
Giffey is Berlin’s economics senator and a former mayor of the city.
The SPD leaders had asked her to take part in negotiations, but she said doing so would mean not opposing the coalition as a whole.
She says she has serious concerns about the alliance, including its approach to antisemitism, links to Islamist networks and the cost of its promises.
Giffey said recent developments in the Left party had made her concerns stronger.
Her refusal adds pressure to the SPD leadership as it considers forming the coalition.
Giffey has also called for an SPD members’ vote, while the parties plan to begin coalition negotiations after exploratory talks.
Franziska Giffey said she would not lead SPD coalition talks with the Greens and the Left in Berlin.
The former Berlin mayor and current economics senator said she had fundamental concerns about the proposed alliance.
She said the concerns included the Left’s handling of antisemitism and Islamist networks, and the coalition’s financial promises.
Giffey said developments that day had increased her concerns.
She had been asked by SPD leaders Bettina König and Steffen Krach to lead talks on economic issues.
- Who
- Franziska Giffey, Berlin’s economics senator and a former mayor, declined to lead the talks.
- What
- She refused to take part as the SPD’s lead negotiator in coalition talks with the Greens and the Left.
- When
- She announced her decision on the evening of Thursday, October 29, 2026.
- Where
- Berlin.
- Why
- She said she had fundamental concerns about the alliance, including its positions on antisemitism, Islamist networks and public finances.
Franziska Giffey
SPD coalition negotiators
Participation
Franziska Giffey
Giffey said she could not credibly lead the talks because of her concerns about the proposed alliance.
SPD coalition negotiators
SPD leaders asked Giffey to lead negotiations on economic issues.
Giffey had criticized the proposed alliance and called for a party members’ vote.
SPD leaders Bettina König and Steffen Krach asked Giffey to lead the coalition talks on economic issues.
Giffey announced that she would not lead the talks, citing her concerns about the alliance and recent developments in the Left Party.
- SPD leaders
- Bettina König and Steffen Krach
- Requested role
- Lead negotiations on economic issues
- Proposed alliance
- The Left, the Greens and the SPD
- Giffey’s current role
- Berlin economics senator
- Announcement
- Thursday evening, October 29, 2026
What people are saying
I therefore come to the conclusion that, because of the many points of criticism I have about this alliance, but also against the background of current developments in the Left Party, I cannot credibly go into these coalition negotiations as lead negotiator.
The developments of today have not helped to dispel these concerns. They have grown even greater.
The formation of a government in Berlin is an absolute turning point for the SPD. Such a decision must be supported by the breadth of its membership.