German Left Party's Election Win in Berlin Stalls Coalition Talks Over Israel Stance
The far-left German party Die Linke, which won the recent election in Berlin, faces significant pressure from potential coalition partners, the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens, who are hesitant to join forces due to the party's stance on Israel and alleged antisemitism within its ranks. The SPD leaders have publicly called on Die Linke to unequivocally reject any form of antisemitism, stating that "antisemitic slogans have no place in our society or politics." They emphasized that Die Linke will be judged by its willingness to disavow antisemitism and any criminal elements within the party.
The potential coalition, dubbed "red-red-green" after the parties' colors, has not yet responded to Die Linke's invitation for coalition talks. The core of the dispute revolves around whether criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza by some Die Linke members is legitimate or questions Israel's right to exist. Critics argue that the party's pro-Palestinian positions border on antisemitism.
Die Linke's chairwoman, Sahra Wagenknecht, has rejected these accusations, calling the labeling of criticism against Israeli policy as antisemitic unfair. The party's candidate for Berlin mayor, Elif Eralp, has also reiterated her recognition of Israel's right to exist and support for protecting Jewish life in the city.
However, controversy erupted following Die Linke's victory celebration, which reportedly included a figure from Berlin's criminal underworld and a pro-Palestinian activist linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, designated a terrorist organization by the EU. Concerns have also been raised about a Die Linke Bundestag member's alleged ties to a criminal family, with pressure mounting for him to sever these connections.
Meanwhile, the ruling Christian Democrats are urging the SPD and Greens to form a "black-red-green" coalition with them instead, excluding Die Linke. Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, also called for a coalition without Die Linke, stating the party has crossed a line into antisemitism, citing calls for an intifada and the death of Israeli soldiers at a party event.
