Full Breakdown
Die Linke’s Berlin Victory Triggers Antisemitism Debate and Legal Action
By Drooid · · How we work
Election Outcome and Legal Complaint
On September 20, Die Linke won the Berlin state election with 25.7 % of the vote, positioning top candidate Elif Eralp to become governing mayor. The party’s Berlin branch and Eralp filed a criminal complaint against Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt for labeling Eralp an “antisemite” on a televised talk-show. The complaint, filed on September 28 2026, alleges defamation under the Criminal Code, arguing the statement damages Eralp’s reputation and could impede government formation. A parallel complaint targets Economy Minister Katherina Reiche for a ministry video that criticises the party.
Background & Context
During the campaign, a performance by rapper Dahabflex at a Die Linke event featured slogans condemned as antisemitic. A victory celebration later included Ibrahim Ibrahim, a supporter of the EU-designated terrorist group PFLP. Party leaders at federal and state levels have publicly distanced themselves from these incidents. Die Linke’s platform opposes arms deliveries to Israel following the October 7 2023 Hamas attack, a stance that has intensified scrutiny of the party’s position on the Gaza conflict.
Data & Statistics
- 25.7 % – Die Linke’s vote share in Berlin.
- ? 250 – Attendees of the annual Chanukah celebration at Neukölln Town Hall, now under reconsideration after the election.
Official Statements & Responses
- Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, warned that Die Linke’s “long history of antisemitic transgressions” makes a coalition “dangerous for Jewish safety.”
- Wolfram Weimer, government commissioner for culture and media, accused Die Linke of “openly flaunting antisemitism” and questioned the continuation of a €2.9 billion cultural-sector funding agreement.
- Die Linke’s federal co-chair Ines Schwerdtner condemned Reiche’s video as “propaganda funded by taxpayer money” and framed the legal actions as defense against a coordinated smear campaign.
Criticism & Opposition
Conservative politicians and the Central Council of Jews have called for the SPD and the Greens to reject any coalition with Die Linke, citing concerns that antisemitic elements could endanger Jewish life in Berlin. The party’s stance on the Gaza war—classifying Israel’s actions as genocide—has further fueled opposition from right-wing groups and mainstream commentators who describe the accusations as “overblown and politically motivated.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Reiche is using taxpayer money to spread propaganda against the Left Party on the Economy Ministry's official channel,” — Left Party Federal Co-Chair
- “I will strengthen Berlin's diverse Jewish community and combat antisemitism. And Palestinian and Muslim people must also feel seen and safe,” — Elif Eralp
Timeline
- September 20 – Die Linke wins Berlin election with 25.7 % of the vote.
- September 28 2026 – Criminal complaint filed against Alexander Dobrindt (and later Katherina Reiche).
- October 1 – Scheduled preliminary coalition talks between Die Linke, the SPD and the Greens.
What’s Next
The October 1 talks will decide whether Die Linke can join a governing coalition with the SPD and the Greens, influencing Berlin’s cultural funding, housing policy and approach to antisemitism.