Berlin exploratory talks: SPD, Greens and Left announce agreement on key points

If a coalition of the SPD, Greens and Left does indeed come about, it would be the first state government of this constellation in a western German state. To date, the Left has generally only tolerated governments or participated in minority governments in western German states. A red-green-red government in the federal capital would therefore send a political signal drawing attention nationwide.

Historical dimension of a red-green-red coalition

Meanwhile, shortly after the election, Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews, had warned the SPD and Greens against an alliance with the Left. He had spoken of a danger to "social cohesion and Jewish life in the capital." This warning is considered an important signal from civil society.

Both the SPD and the Greens subsequently emphasized that they wanted to ensure the Left took a clear stance against antisemitism and discrimination. Whether these conditions were included in the key-points paper now reached was part of the public debate.

Warning from the Central Council of Jews

Critical voices came from the CDU, which had finished first in the election for Berlin’s House of Representatives. The opposition announced its intention to scrutinize any possible coalition agreement closely. The parliamentary group work in the House of Representatives is also likely to adjust to a changed majority situation should the SPD, Greens and Left actually form a government.

Opposition reactions and outlook

Observers in the capital now expect the three parties to begin coalition negotiations swiftly. It remains unclear which portfolios will be allocated and who will lead the future government. The timing of a possible election of a head of government in the House of Representatives has also not yet been specified publicly.

The talks were conducted by the three party chairs and the respective parliamentary group leaders in Berlin. Substantive priorities and unresolved disputes are to be worked through over the coming days before a formal coalition agreement could be signed.