Berlin Coalition Talks Begin for Red-Green-Red Government

Six weeks after the election, Berlin's Left Party, Greens, and SPD have commenced coalition negotiations to form a new state government. "The people of Berlin have repeatedly asked us in recent weeks when things would start. And now they are starting," stated Left Party parliamentary group leader Elif Eralp at the opening of the talks in the Berlin House of Representatives. SPD state chairwoman Bettina König affirmed that the SPD would engage intensively in the thematic negotiations. Green Party state chairwoman Nina Stahr noted that preliminary talks had already been very intensive and constructive, but acknowledged that "the truth is also that we will only truly deepen some topics in the coalition negotiations."

The initial meeting involved the top representatives of the three parties, forming a "dachgruppe" (steering committee). Specialized working groups will also convene to discuss specific policy areas, primarily involving experts. The foundation for these negotiations is the outcome of prior exploratory discussions, which left many detailed questions unresolved. The process has been complicated by debates surrounding the appropriate approach to combating antisemitism.

These coalition talks have drawn nationwide criticism, particularly stemming from incidents within the Left Party concerning antisemitism and its handling of anti-Israel sentiment. An open letter signed by prominent SPD members, including Karl Lauterbach, Sigmar Gabriel, and Franziska Giffey, warns against a Red-Green-Red coalition, citing concerns over the Left Party's stance on antisemitism. Despite this criticism, a broad majority of the Left Party's members voted in favor of coalition negotiations at a party conference on Saturday. The Greens and SPD had already approved the talks two weeks prior. The duration of the negotiations remains uncertain, and the possibility of failure at any point exists.