Preliminary discussions on the formation of a government in Berlin: third meeting on the topic of anti-Semitism
The Left, the Greens and the SPD are discussing anti-Semitism, racism and organized crime in Berlin ahead of possible exploratory talks.
Quick Look
- In Berlin, the election winners, the Left, the Greens and the SPD are preparing for a third preliminary discussion.
- The focus is on the issue of anti-Semitism, which the Greens and SPD have made a condition for exploratory talks.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
After the election to the Berlin House of Representatives on September 20th, the Left is aiming for a red-green-red coalition as the strongest force.
Decisive days are coming up in the poker game surrounding the possible formation of a government in Berlin. The election winners Left, the Greens and the SPD are preparing for a third so-called preliminary discussion on the recently hotly debated topic of anti-Semitism, which, according to dpa information, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday. Details about the place and time, but also about the status of the negotiations so far, are not yet known - the parties unanimously say that confidentiality has been agreed.
Last Thursday and Saturday, top politicians from the three parties met for two preliminary discussions. The aim of this format was to reach an understanding on the topic of anti-Semitism, how to deal with racism and organized crime. The Greens and SPD had made this a prerequisite for exploratory talks to form a government.
Concern among the Greens and the SPD
The background to this is several incidents involving the Left as election winners, which have also caused concern among potential coalition partners. At an election party for the Neukölln Left on September 20th, both the head of an Arab-born and partly criminal clan and a controversial pro-Palestinian activist were present. He is said to be close to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which is classified as a terrorist organization by the EU.
“Common path”
It remains to be seen whether a breakthrough will be achieved at the third preliminary meeting on Wednesday. Before starting explorations, the Greens and SPD insist on binding agreements and mechanisms, especially on the subject of anti-Semitism. Last but not least, it should be clarified how the Left will deal with future possible anti-Semitic incidents within its ranks and what consequences this would have within a possible coalition.
On Saturday, the three parties announced that they had agreed on a “further common path” - without giving any details. “In the coming week we will bring the current discussions to a conclusion,” it said.
It is said that the third meeting on Wednesday falls on the anniversary of two historic events is purely a coincidence. On October 7, 2023, the terrorist organization Hamas attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip and carried out an unprecedented massacre. The GDR was founded on October 7, 1949.
The Left was clearly the strongest party after the election
In the election for the Berlin House of Representatives on September 20th, the Left was by far the strongest force with 25.7 percent. They were followed by the CDU (18.8 percent), AfD (16.3 percent), the Greens (14.3 percent) and the SPD (12.1 percent). The previously ruling CDU/SPD coalition lost its majority. The Left is now relying on a red-green-red coalition. If that happens, she and her top candidate and co-parliamentary group leader Elif Eralp could nominate a governing mayor in Berlin for the first time.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The results of the discussions will be presented next week
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Will the third preliminary meeting lead to an agreement?
- What specific mechanisms will be agreed?
