Berlin SPD and Greens approve coalition talks with Linke, pending party decision
The SPD and the Greens in Berlin have each given internal approval to begin coalition negotiations with the Left Party, which won the recent state election. The parties will base the talks on a joint exploratory document that was produced after their initial discussions. The Left Party will decide whether to join the negotiations at a later party meeting. Federal politicians have voiced criticism of the prospective alliance, but the negotiations are set to move forward pending the Left's decision.
Why it matters
The outcome will determine the composition of Berlin's next state government and the direction of policies on housing and other issues.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage emphasizes the progressive coalition’s policy agenda, especially housing expropriation, while center outlets report the talks breaking down and note disputes over Israel and crime; Right-leaning coverage stresses internal SPD opposition and frames the Left as linked to antisemitism and security risks.
LEFT
Highlights the formation of a red-green-red coalition and its ambitious housing-socialisation and integration policies as a bold progressive agenda.
CENTER
Reports that coalition talks have stalled or broken down, focusing on disputes over Israel, organized crime and antisemitism.
RIGHT
Portrays the Left as a security and antisemitism concern, emphasizing SPD lawmakers’ rejection of the coalition and the party’s radical proposals.
The left emphasises
- socialisation of large private housing stock
- expanding voting rights for long-term residents
- the joint exploratory paper titled “More Together, More Berlin”
The right emphasises
- SPD lawmakers reject talks citing antisemitism and links to criminal milieu
- criticisms of the Left’s plan to replace police with social workers
- concern over the Left’s stance on domestic intelligence and security
Possibly left out
- Centrist coverage reports the coalition talks breaking down over Israel and crime, absent from left-leaning coverage’s focus on housing expropriation
How this story developed
- Sep 24 Berlin election fuels fierce debate over housing expropriation and coalition prospects
- Oct 6 The party moved from campaign rhetoric to a detailed plan to expropriate apartments from eight major landlords.
- Oct 14 In his government address, Merz insisted that no euro sent to Ukraine reduces spending on Germany’s social programs or schools. He highlighted an increasing willingness by Russia to escalate against Ukraine, neighboring Eastern European states, and even Germany itself. The chancellor also warned that a widening fairness gap between generations will worsen without reform. He faced opposition from AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla, who argued that endless support for Ukraine is unaffordable for German taxpayers. The speech preceded the swearing-in of new labour minister Alexander Schweitzer and set the stage for an upcoming EU summit focused on the budget, economic security, and the Ukraine war.
- Oct 16 Johannes Winkel secured another term as chairman of the Junge Union, the youth wing of the CDU/CSU, and called for confidence despite recent electoral setbacks.
- Oct 18 The parties have moved from exploratory talks to formal coalition negotiations.
- Oct 18 AfD and BSW publicly called for stopping arms aid to Ukraine in Saxony‑Anhalt.
- Oct 19 Merz warned that deeper coalition concessions could jeopardise the CDU’s electoral prospects.
- Oct 20 SPD and Greens approve entering coalition talks with Linke.
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