Linke mayoral hopeful Elif Eralp endures aggressive anti-Semitism questioning before Berlin vote
Eleven days before Berlin's mayoral election, Die Linke candidate Elif Eralp was sharply interrogated about anti-Semitism by moderator Constantin Schreiber at a synagogue event.
At a high-profile gathering in Berlin's largest synagogue, Die Linke's mayoral candidate Elif Eralp was put under intense scrutiny by moderator Constantin Schreiber, a former Springer-Verlag employee. Schreiber repeatedly asked whether the party shares blame for anti-Semitism and accused Eralp of promoting an "anti-Muslim" narrative, while also probing her position on deporting asylum seekers who commit crimes against Jews.
Eralp responded calmly, emphasizing that most of her party backs the protection of Jewish lives and highlighting her involvement in memorializing the Halle synagogue shooting. She rejected the notion of pitting racism against anti-Semitism and noted the party's commitment to housing reform amid Berlin's soaring rents. Meanwhile, the CDU candidate appeared detached, and the AfD's recent electoral gains were not addressed. The episode underscores the pressure on Eralp, a 45-year-old mother of two with Turkish roots, to navigate anti-Semitism concerns while leading a party that now holds the city's largest vote share.
Why it matters
Berlin voters must assess how the leading left candidate handles anti-Semitism and housing issues ahead of a pivotal mayoral election.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage frames the event as aggressive anti-Semitism questioning of Eralp, highlighting her calm defense of Jewish protection and housing reform, while right-leaning coverage portrays Eralp as a radical figure tied to extremist elements and notes parts of her party being investigated by the constitutional watchdog.
LEFT
Focuses on the intense anti-Semitism questioning Eralp faced and her measured response defending Jewish protection and housing policy
RIGHT
Casts Eralp and her party as radical, linking them to anti-Semitic cooperation and constitutional surveillance
The left emphasises
- moderator’s repeated probing about anti-Semitism and an "anti-Muslim" narrative
- Eralp’s calm claim that most of her party backs protection of Jewish lives
- mention of the party’s housing-reform agenda amid soaring rents
The right emphasises
- Eralp’s migrant background and anti-racist activism framed as a media fascination
- her support for expropriating housing corporations
- parts of the Berlin Left party being watched by the Verfassungsschutz for cooperating with anti-Semites
How this story developed
- Aug 23 Merz warns AfD win in Saxony-Anhalt could scare off foreign investors
- Sep 7 The AfD is targeting a vote share above 45 % to seek an outright majority.
- Sep 7 Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the AfD’s strong showing in Saxony-Anhalt marks a turning point for Germany, warning of broader repercussions.
- Sep 7 AfD announced it will begin talks with potential partners after falling short of a majority.
- Sep 8 Günter Krings, a member of the German Bundestag, described the recent Saxony-Anhalt vote as far worse than expected, with the AfD securing 43.8% of the ballots. He argued the CDU should not entertain discussions about replacing Chancellor Friedrich Merz so soon after the far-right's victory. Krings urged the party to focus on rebuilding its credibility and blamed EU decisions for part of voter anger. The CDU’s share fell to 17.2%, roughly half of its previous support.
- Sep 8 CDU leaders proposed a working group to study a possible ban of the AfD.
- Sep 9 Former US president Donald Trump praised the Alternative for Germany (AfD) after its impressive result in Saxony-Anhalt, blaming the country's immigration policies.
- Sep 9 Trump posted a congratulatory message to the AfD on Truth Social after the Saxony‑Anhalt results.
- Sep 9 Merz and AfD leader Alice Weidel clashed in a Bundestag budget debate following the Saxony‑Anhalt result.
- Sep 10 Claudia Obert resigned from the CDU and Tino Schomann publicly demanded Merz’s resignation.
- Sep 11 AfD top candidate Ulrich Siegmund said weapons from a potential Elbit Systems plant could support upcoming deportation efforts, sparking criticism.
- Sep 11 Only the BSW agreed to talks as all other parties declined, and Chancellor Merz rebuked Donald Trump’s congratulatory post.
- Sep 12 BSW chairman Fabio de Masi publicly denounced Siegmund's remarks.
- Sep 12 Markus Söder publicly rejected calls to replace Chancellor Merz.
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