Left Party: Eralp expects approval for coalition talks

The Left Party's party conference is taking place in Berlin. Party leader Eralp defended the exploratory paper with the Greens and SPD and called for coalition negotiations. She also commented on the controversial

State party conference of the Left Eralp expects approval for coalition talks As of: October 31, 2026 • 1:33 p.m

The parliamentary group leader of the Left in the Berlin House of Representatives, Elif Eralp, assumes that her party will vote to start coalition negotiations with the Greens and the SPD at the state party conference on Saturday. Eralp said on Saturday morning, before the start of the party conference, on rbb24 Inforadio that she was “very sure” that the party would support her with a large majority. The extraordinary state party conference began at 10 a.m. in Lichtenberg, results are expected in the afternoon, and the end is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

In her twenty-minute speech at the beginning of the party conference, Eralp said that the exploratory paper that had already been agreed had a left-wing signature, even if the Greens and Social Democrats had been accommodated on some points. In particular, the chapter on the socialization of housing groups is “historic,” says Eralp. This would force large companies such as Vonovia and Heimstaden out of the Berlin market. The paper also contains a clear commitment to the fight against anti-Semitism. However, Eralp also warned her own party to stick together. She also relied on emotion in her speech and spoke of attacks from outside. She was celebrated with shouts and applause in the hall.

In advance, a demonstration was called against coalition negotiations with the SPD and the Greens, which is supported, among others, by the Federal Working Group for Palestine Solidarity in the Left. This would jeopardize central election promises in the areas of Palestinian solidarity, anti-militarism and socialization, it said in a call. Just over 50 people gathered in front of the Dong Xuan Center in the early afternoon and demonstrated with banners. Eralp had said in advance of the announced protest on rbb24 Inforadio that these were the “right” of the demonstrators. However, she emphasized that there had been no calls from the Berlin district associations to take part in the demos. Regarding critical motions at the party conference, the group leader said: "We have spoken and negotiated with the people and I assume that we will be united and decide together to go into these coalition talks." Regarding the possible exclusion of the controversial MP Vanessa Emde, Eralp said that this would be decided in the committees that are currently still discussing this matter. “The party will take the time and the parliamentary group it needs to talk about what happens next,” said Eralp. However, due to the incidents and a lack of assurances, there is no basis for working with Emde.

With a view to the debate about Middle East policy, Eralp said on rbb24 Inforadio that the Left wanted to stand up for Jewish life in Berlin and had clearly committed itself to Israel's right to exist, but also to the right to exist for a Palestinian state. If violence is trivialized or glorified, a limit has been crossed, "and I assume that the party sees it the same way," said Eralp. Eralp also emphasized in the conversation that she would not skimp on security in the city. But she believes good social policy is the best way to prevent crime. She also wants to strengthen transparency and parliamentary control in the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. But it's not about replacing the Office for the Protection of the Constitution.

In view of the debate about Eralp this week and in connection with the announced protests at the party conference, Eralp will receive police protection on Saturday, according to security circles. On rbb24 Inforadio, Eralp herself said that although she did not feel personally threatened, the debate surrounding her was "very, very poisoned" from different spectrums and there was "very, very much hatred and insults and threats and attacks." That's why the recommendation is "to take advantage of this protection, and that's what I did," said Eralp. When asked what the threat situation was about, she said she could not share confidential conversations and information from the authorities. But she relies on “the assessment there being correct.” These are also public appearances where external people can also have access.

Broadcast: rbb24 Inforadio, October 31, 2026, 8:40 a.m. Audio: rbb24 Inforadio, October 31, 2026, Sebastian Schöbel