Berlin parties agree to start coalition talks with Left

On 19 October 2026 the Green Party and SPD in Berlin voted to begin coalition negotiations with the Left Party. According to Tagesschau, the Green Party approved the talks at a small party meeting, with 42 of 44 delegates voting in favor and two against. The SPD had already decided in a digital meeting of its state board, with 26 of 29 members voting in favor and three against. The Left Party will decide on participation at a party congress on 31 October.

The decision follows the September 20 election in which the Left Party received 25.7% of the vote, the highest share, while the SPD received 12.1%. The previous governing coalition of the CDU and SPD lost its majority. The parties have produced a "Sondierungspapier" that outlines policy priorities, including housing, transport, and anti‑antisemitism measures.

The Sondierungspapier also contains a joint statement on antisemitism that the parties agreed to include in a future coalition agreement. According to Spiegel, the statement commits the coalition to protect Jewish life, the right of Israel to exist, and a two‑state solution, with sanctions for violations. The parties also plan to discuss the national security service and the potential expropriation of large housing companies.

If the Left Party accepts the invitation, coalition talks could begin in early November, as reported by Tagesschau and Spiegel. The parties say that the talks will lead to a new government in Berlin, potentially appointing Left Party leader Elif Eralp as governing mayor. The outcome will depend on the Left Party’s vote at its congress.