Berlin parties SPD, Greens and Left meet to explore cautious coalition talks

In Berlin, representatives of the SPD, the Greens and the Left gathered for the first time since the Left's notable electoral win, meeting at the Haus der Statistik on Alexanderplatz. The three party chairs—Nina Stahr, Bettina König and Kerstin Wolter—expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing the need for a confidential pre-talk on topics crucial to the city, including antisemitism, racism and organized crime. They indicated that a clear agreement on these matters is a prerequisite for any exploratory discussions.

The Left faction also plans to codify an anti-antisemitism stance in its parliamentary rules. Meanwhile, Bundestag member Ferat Koçak announced his resignation from the interior committee amid controversy over messages with a figure linked to the Remmo clan, a matter highlighted by former Jewish council president Charlotte Knobloch. The SPD leader Steffen Krach, now co-chair of his parliamentary group, warned that forming a government will be a "rocky" process, especially as housing affordability remains a key issue.