Criticism of Koçak and debate about the formation of a red-red-green government in Berlin

Koçak came under criticism after the Berlin elections because he has connections to the Rammo clan, an important player in organized crime in Berlin. Koçak's closeness to Ibrahim Ibrahim is also criticized. He is an activist with the “United Palestinian National Committee”. The group is classified as extremist by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and is close to the terrorist organization Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). "Anyone who wants to eliminate Israel like the PFLP does must not be a conversation partner or a friend for the left," said Ramelow.

After its election victory in Berlin, the Left hopes to form a red-red-green government led by Eralp. However, in view of the allegations against Koçak, many now suspect a deliberate campaign, even “incitement,” against the left. The MP himself had announced that he wanted to deal with the events and initially withdraw from the public eye.

"It doesn't help to complain about it"

Ramelow also speaks of a current "campaign" against a red-green-red government - and recommends his party to stay calm and not complain. »Yes, it is a campaign and it works with double standards. But it doesn't help to complain about the fact that Rammo was once a guest at the CDU. That won't be of any use." The left should not allow itself to have double standards: "We cannot criticize other parties if they tolerate violence but remain silent when something like this happens to us. We are an anti-militarist party!”

Ramelow described the election in Berlin as a "signal of departure" and said Berlin could "now reinvent itself." He called on his party to support Elif Eralp in her efforts to become governing mayor. "I can only encourage Elif to have the strength every day not to take it all personally." Eralp now needs the support of the entire party. “The active support from the Bundestag faction is still too low for me, there has to be more.”