Berlin Greens Approve Coalition Talks With Left Party Amid Criticism

The Green Party and the SPD in Berlin have decided to begin coalition negotiations with the election winner, the Left Party. The Greens approved the move with a large majority at a party conference, with only two out of 45 delegates voting against it. The SPD's state executive board had previously given its approval in a digital meeting, with 26 participants voting in favor and three against. The Left Party will vote on the matter at its own conference on October 31. These decisions pave the way for coalition talks to commence in early November, based on a preliminary agreement reached by the three parties last weekend.

Green Party faction leader Werner Graf highlighted significant "Green successes" in the preliminary paper, including provisions for more bike lanes, improved public transport, the halting of the A100 highway expansion, and the introduction of "Kiezblocks" (neighborhood blocks) to calm traffic. SPD state chairpersons Bettina König and Steffen Krach stated that many SPD positions were successfully incorporated into the negotiations and that they have a clear mandate to continue this in the coalition talks.

The Left Party emerged as the strongest force in the September 20 Berlin election with 25.7 percent of the vote, followed by the CDU (18.8%), AfD (16.3%), Greens (14.3%), and the SPD (12.1%), which achieved its worst-ever result. The previous CDU/SPD coalition lost its majority, and efforts are now underway to form a red-green-red government. If successful, Left Party faction leader Elif Eralp could become Berlin's first Governing Mayor from her party.

Negotiations were complicated by discussions surrounding the Left Party's stance on antisemitism, following several serious incidents. A joint declaration on combating antisemitism, agreed upon before the talks, is intended to be included in the coalition agreement. This declaration affirms the protection of Jewish life, Israel's right to exist, and a two-state solution. Sanctions, including expulsion from the parliamentary group, are considered for violations.

Despite a joint statement from Green Party leaders Nina Stahr and the SPD's König and Krach acknowledging issues with antisemitism within parts of the Left Party but deeming the declaration a good basis for cooperation, some internal criticism remains. One delegate called the potential coalition with the "unpredictable" Left Party a "suicidal mission."

A particularly contentious proposal nationwide is the planned expropriation of approximately 160,000 apartments from five major real estate companies, transferring them to public ownership for compensation. This would be a first in Germany, aiming to curb rising rents by increasing public influence on the housing market. The compensation is capped at 16 billion euros, to be financed by loans and refinanced through rents. Companies owning over 10,000 apartments in Berlin would be affected, allowed to retain a basic stock. Vonovia, with around 130,000 apartments, would be most impacted. Vonovia stated the plan is unconstitutional and would deter necessary private investment. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche (CDU) warned of a "danger to the location" extending beyond Berlin. The plan is based on Article 15 of the German Basic Law, which allows for the transfer of land and means of production to public ownership.