SPD state executive committee agrees to exploratory talks with the Left in Berlin

Almost a week after the House of Representatives election in Berlin, the SPD state executive committee voted for exploratory talks with the Left. The board decided unanimously on Saturday to accept the Left Party's invitation to explore, a spokesman said. The Left won the election last Sunday well ahead of the CDU, which had previously governed together with the SPD.

In parts of the SPD and the Greens there are reservations about an alliance with the Left. The Berlin regional association of the Left Party is currently being criticized for allegations of anti-Semitism and alleged contacts with criminal clans. In addition, there are plans to expropriate housing companies, which are seen as a sticking point in possible future coalition talks. The SPD top candidate and new co-state chairman Steffen Krach, for example, rejected the idea during the election campaign.

The Left party leadership practices self-criticism

The Left party leadership used its extraordinary party conference on Friday to exercise self-criticism. “Yes, we have to say that boundaries were exceeded,” said Berlin’s left-wing leader Maximilian Schirmer. There are people in this city who are afraid of organized crime. Protection rackets destroy neighborhoods, “it destroys neighborhood life.” This will not be put into perspective, but will be taken seriously. Co-leader Kerstin Wolter explained that she would like to see “more distinction between anti-Semitism and legitimate criticism of Israel” in the debate about her party. Yes, says Wolter, “mistakes were also made in our party.” Sentences were said “that frighten Jews.” The party is obliged to investigate these cases. Top candidate Elf Eralp assured that as mayor she would "protect every life in Berlin."