Berlin SPD supports Steffen Krach after investigation

The Berlin SPD has expressed its full support for its top candidate Steffen Krach after investigations against him became known. "Just as Steffen Krach described everything yesterday, the comrades expressed their full solidarity and support for him," said Berlin's Senator for Economic Affairs Franziska Giffey (SPD) to the rbb.

Krach reported in great detail yesterday both in the executive state board and in the parliamentary group, said Giffey. He emphasized once again that the allegations were baseless and justified this with facts. "And we have no reason to doubt the truth of his statements."

The Hanover public prosecutor's office is investigating Krach, but did not comment on specific allegations and referred to the presumption of innocence. According to Krach, it is about a procurement process for a clinic sale in the Hanover region, where he is on leave as regional president for the election campaign. He rejected the accusation of influencing as unfounded. He “in no way accepted any sum from this bidder, either privately or as SPD state chairman.”

“Attempt to donate 9,900 euros”

After investigations against Krach became known, SPD treasurer Fabian Fischer announced that there had been “an attempt to donate 9,900 euros to the SPD Berlin at the turn of the year.” "On the instructions of our top candidate, it was immediately decided to reject this donation."

According to the rbb, an entrepreneur is said to have transferred 9,900 euros to the SPD Berlin account on December 29th. Krach is said to have been informed by the SPD state management on January 7th and ordered the transfer back the day after, the report said. The money was transferred back to the sender on January 9th. A spokesman for the Berlin SPD confirmed the information.