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Berlin Parties Reach Antisemitism Accord, Paving Way for Left-SPD-Greens Coalition
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Antisemitism Safeguards Enable Coalition Talks
The Left Party, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens have agreed on a set of procedures to address antisemitic incidents in Berlin. The agreement, scheduled for announcement on October 8, satisfies a pre-condition demanded by the SPD and Greens and clears the way for immediate exploratory talks on forming a three-party state government. The pact includes adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, establishing a joint parliamentary “whip” to deliberate incidents, and expelling any lawmaker found responsible by consensus; unresolved cases would be referred to an expert panel.
Election Outcome and Context
In the September 20 state election, the Left emerged as the largest party with 25.7 % of the vote, overtaking Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The result revived prospects for a tripartite coalition after a period of fragmented centre-left options. The issue of antisemitism has become a major fault line in German politics, intensified by a rise in incidents following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel and the ensuing Gaza war.
Official Statements & Responses
Party leaders emphasized that the safeguards aim to protect Jewish residents and uphold democratic values while preserving the right to criticize Israeli government policies. The agreement also rejects any comparison between the Left and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which polls identify as the most popular party in Germany. The SPD and Greens framed Israel’s right to exist as “non-negotiable,” and warned that any violation of the new measures could lead to expulsion from the coalition talks.
Data, Statistics and Outlook
- Vote share: Left 25.7 % (September 20 election).
- Antisemitic incidents: Noted increase since October 7, 2023.
- AfD popularity: Polls label the AfD as Germany’s leading party.
The parties have pledged to begin exploratory coalition negotiations immediately after the October 8 accord, with the prospect of Elif Eralp becoming Berlin’s first Left mayor if a formal agreement is reached.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Safety means being able to go to school without fear, to wear a kippah, and to speak Hebrew without having to explain yourself,” — Kerstin Wolter, co-chair of the Left Party in Berlin, during a joint press conference
- “The AfD fights against democracy. The AfD talks about deporting millions of people from this country,” — Steffen Krach