Investigations against Berlin SPD top candidate Krach

A new House of Representatives will be elected in Berlin in a week and a half. Krach moved from Hanover to Berlin in the summer of 2025 to become the top candidate for the SPD. He took a leave of absence from his previous position as regional president.

Krach: “I reject this accusation with all clarity”

The Hanover public prosecutor's office had started an investigation against Krach. She did not comment on specific allegations and referred to tactical reasons for the investigation. The authority said that the presumption of innocence applies. Several properties in Hanover and Berlin were searched on Wednesday.

Krach said the accusation relates to a procurement process for a clinic sale in the Hanover region. As regional president in Hanover, Krach was chairman of the supervisory board of this clinic. "I suggested that we establish a regional health center there, and that's what we did," said the 47-year-old. There was a procurement process. One bidder was awarded the contract, another was not.

»It now seems to be clear that I allowed myself to be influenced in some way. I would definitely like to reject this allegation as unfounded," said Krach. “I have in no way accepted any sum from this bidder, either privately or as SPD state chairman,” emphasized Krach. "I categorically reject this accusation."

The core of the investigation appears to be a donation of 9,900 euros

After the investigations against the Berlin SPD top candidate became known, his party gave further details to Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB). According to treasurer Fabian Fischer, there was “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."

The morning after, "less than 24 hours later, I issued instructions by email that this donation cannot be accepted and must be transferred back immediately," said Krach, while holding up a piece of paper that should show the transfer. The money was transferred back to the sender on January 9th.

“For me, the case was closed with the immediate remittance,” said Krach when asked by a reporter. "These 9,900 euros never played a role in Berlin."