Germany’s left-wing party Die Linke has achieved a significant breakthrough in Berlin, securing 25.7 percent of the vote and emerging as the strongest force in the capital. The result places Die Linke ahead of the CDU, AfD, Greens, and SPD.
The party’s victory has not only shifted Berlin’s political balance, but also reignited debate about its more radical factions, positions on housing, views on Israel, and recurring controversies from the past.
Die Linke Surpasses a Quarter of the Vote
This outcome marks a major improvement for Die Linke compared to previous Berlin elections.
The party’s 25.7% share was well ahead of the CDU’s 18.8%.
The AfD finished with 16.3%, the Greens with 14.3%, and the SPD with 12.1%.
For CDU leader Friedrich Merz, the result is another disappointing signal. Aktualizovane.sk previously reported that elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern could further increase internal pressure on Merz within the CDU.
Elif Eralp Focuses on Expensive Housing
Leading the party’s campaign was 45-year-old lawyer Elif Eralp.
After the vote, Eralp named rising housing costs as one of Berlin’s most serious social problems.
During the campaign, Die Linke called for tougher measures against large property owners and pledged to push forward the 2021 referendum in which a majority backed transferring parts of major real estate companies into public ownership.
This move could affect approximately 220,000 apartments.
Critics have warned, however, of potential multi-billion euro costs and legal complications linked to such a policy.
Controversial ‘Shooting the Rich’ Remark Resurfaces
Following Die Linke’s Berlin victory, an incident from 2020 has returned to the spotlight.
At a strategic conference in Kassel that year, one discussion participant referred to “shooting one percent of the rich.”
Then-co-chair Bernd Riexinger replied that the rich don’t need to be shot; rather, they should be “put to useful work.”
The remarks led to a political scandal.
However, it is important to note that this was not the official policy of Die Linke nor part of its platform.
The participant later apologized, emphasizing her rejection of violence. Riexinger also acknowledged his mistake, stating he should have immediately denounced the statement.
Campaign Sparked Further Controversies
The election campaign also drew attention to some of Die Linke’s supporters and candidates.
At one event, for example, a slogan targeting the Israeli army was heard.
Some party members and supporters faced criticism for their pro-Palestinian statements.
After the election, the Greens declared that any possible cooperation would require Die Linke to maintain a clear stance against antisemitism.
Die Linke has rejected accusations of systematic antisemitism, asserting that it opposes antisemitism, racism, and all forms of discrimination.
Controversy Over Election Night Guest
Issa Remmo, a member of a well-known Berlin family long linked by police to organized crime investigations, appeared at Die Linke’s post-election gathering in Neukölln.
The party stated it had not invited him and denied any links to organized crime.
His attendance therefore does not prove any connection between the party and criminal groups.
Later, media attention focused on contacts between a member of the Remmo family and Die Linke lawmaker Ferat Koçak. The party then announced that Koçak would cease his activities in the Bundestag.
Result Reshapes Berlin’s Political Landscape
Die Linke’s win comes at a moment when Germany’s traditional centrist parties are weakening.
In Berlin, the CDU, SPD, and the Greens all lost ground, while Die Linke and AfD made significant gains.
This trend has also been observed elsewhere in Germany. Aktualizovane.sk previously reported on the AfD’s record result and clear victory in Saxony-Anhalt.
Berlin’s result shows that protest voters are not only shifting to the right—some are also strongly backing a left-wing alternative.
Government Coalition Still Uncertain
Winning the election does not automatically mean Die Linke will govern alone.
They will need coalition partners to form a majority.
Both the SPD and the Greens have expressed willingness to negotiate, although coalition terms are yet to be discussed in detail.
Housing is expected to be among the most hotly debated topics, along with foreign policy and societal issues.
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Die Linke’s strong Berlin result should be seen mainly as a decisive shift in the mood of the capital. The party’s support was driven above all by issues such as rents, social inequality, and affordable housing.
However, its victory has also revived old controversies. It is important to distinguish between statements by individual members or supporters and the party’s official platform.
This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
