Berlin’s Linke, Greens and SPD weigh forming a state government

Berlin’s Left party, the Greens and the SPD are exploring whether they can form the city-state’s next government after the September 20 election.

The Left party won the election, but the parties have not yet agreed to govern together.

Berlin faces a tight budget, with experts saying more than four billion euros are needed to fund the 2028 budget and further shortfalls expected later.

The parties also disagree over a plan by the Left and Greens to bring 220,000 homes owned by large private companies into public ownership; the SPD’s Berlin leader opposes expropriations.

They have agreed on principles including protecting Jewish life, Israel’s right to exist and a two-state solution, with possible consequences for breaches of party rules on antisemitism.

The agreement has drawn criticism from Jewish community leaders and some members of the Left, who say its terms could be used to limit criticism of Israeli policy.

The parties must resolve these disputes in exploratory talks before moving on to formal coalition negotiations.