
Berlin's Left Party, Greens and SPD concluded exploratory talks and agreed on housing-focused policies including public ownership of 160,000 apartments and a new building program for 100,000 affordable flats by 2031, while facing criticism over antisemitism concerns and amid declining poll numbers for mainstream parties.
AI-generated summary
Berlin's Left Party won 25.7% of the vote in recent state and municipal elections, becoming the biggest winner. Exploratory talks between the Left, Greens and SPD began on October 8 after four weeks of post-election negotiations. The Greens and SPD had previously demanded a clear commitment to sanctions against antisemitism before resuming talks following a breakdown earlier in the week.
Jon Shelton with AFP, dpa, epd, Reuters
Published 10/17/2026Published October 17, 2026
Berlin's left-leaning parties have successfully concluded exploratory talks, and formal coalition negotiations could begin next month if party members approve. Follow DW for more.
https://p.dw.com/p/5OMCn
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What you need to know
Members of The Left, the Greens and the SPD reached an initial agreement to begin formal coalition talks
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addresses conservative CDU/CSU national youth-wing conference
Germany's development minister asks that debt borrowing rules be eased to allow further critical Ukraine funding
In the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein, police expect 3,000 participants to show up for an Alternative for Germany (AfD) youth rally and a pro-democracy counter-rally
Here is a roundup of the main news from and about Germany for the weekend of October 17-18:
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Coalition government negotiations could begin in early November if party bases approve the proposal
Likely · Within weeks
The proposed left-wing Berlin state government could bring around 160,000 apartments under public ownership
Possible · Within years
The coalition hopefuls aim to get 100,000 planning permissions by 2031 for new public housing, leading to 100,000 new affordable flats
Possible · Within years

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