Berlin Elections Could Bring Far-Left Party to Power Amid Antisemitism Concerns

Berlin residents are voting in elections that could see a left-wing coalition take power in the German capital. A close race is underway between the far-left party Die Linke and the center-right CDU, vying to be the largest party and lead coalition talks. Die Linke has faced accusations in recent weeks of attempting to downplay severe antisemitism within its ranks, while focusing on promises to alleviate housing shortages and improve social services.

If Die Linke wins, their leading candidate, Elif Eralp, whose parents immigrated from Turkey, could become the next mayor of Berlin, which is also one of Germany's 16 federal states. The party, formed from a merger of Social Democrat defectors and a successor to East Germany's communist party, holds deeply left-wing positions, opposing NATO and advocating for social welfare, immigration support, and opposition to defense industries. It was a junior partner in Berlin's 2016-2021 coalition government and initiated a rent control reform that was ultimately struck down by the constitutional court.

Support for Die Linke has surged recently, fueled by public anger over the cost of living, housing difficulties, and rising rents, alongside the weakening of established centrist parties. The party has also attracted new members following the Gaza war, becoming prominent in pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel demonstrations in Berlin, officially labeling the events in Gaza as "genocide." In Berlin's Neukölln district, the party draws support from immigrants of Arab descent.

Recent weeks have seen revelations of antisemitic incidents linked to the party, including chants of "Death to the IDF" and "Intifada, let's go" at a party event, distribution of stickers depicting an armed figure vowing to fight Israel, and a party representative stating "the occupation will not end until Tel Aviv is free." Eralp has repeatedly pledged to fight antisemitism but has taken no concrete action against her party's Neukölln branch or other senior members. Josef Schuster, chairman of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, dismissed her condemnations as mere lip service, stating she cannot combat antisemitism if she fails to do so within her own party.

Antisemitic incidents in Berlin have spiked since October 7, 2023, and the Gaza war. Jews have been physically attacked for wearing kippahs or Star of David necklaces, and activists for Israeli hostages or Israel have also faced violence. Jewish organizations have urged other parties to refuse coalition talks with Die Linke due to its antisemitism problem. Eralp has largely avoided the issue, focusing on the upcoming election. Another left-wing party, BSW, which split from Die Linke, has also adopted a distinctly anti-Israel stance. Its leading candidate wore a pin in the colors of Palestine and the shape of Mandatory Palestine during a televised debate, evading questions about Israel's right to exist.

Polls indicate Die Linke is polling around 21%, a 9% increase from the previous election, while the CDU is at approximately 20%. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) follows with about 18%, and the SPD with 12%. The BSW party is hovering around the 5% electoral threshold. A coalition with the Social Democrats and the Greens would be necessary for either Die Linke or the CDU to govern. A Die Linke-led coalition would likely be more hostile to property investors and more protective of the city's large tenant population. The impact on Jewish life under a left-wing coalition remains uncertain, as previous centrist administrations had actively supported Jewish life through funding and public statements.