Kurz vor der Wahl: Ermittlungen gegen Berliner SPD-Spitzenkandidaten Krach

One week before the upcoming elections in Berlin, prosecutors in Hannover have launched investigations against SPD candidates Steffen Krach. Three locations in both Hannover and Berlin were reportedly searched, according to a spokesperson from the office. Specific accusations were not disclosed, citing investigation procedural reasons, but Krach maintains his innocence.

Currently, he serves as the president of the Region Hannover. The Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung first reported on the investigations, which the Tagesspiegel later confirmed to be connected to the former Lehrte Hospital, a part of the Hannover Region Clinic. The Region Hannover confirmed to dpa that Krach's offices in Hannover were searched.

Krach, currently on leave due to his leading candidacy, has been questioned about his activities as Regions President. Reports from the Tagesspiegel state that Krach's apartment in Schöneberg, Berlin, and the SPD's Land Party Central in Wedding were also searched. Krach's spokesman vehemently denied the allegations on dpa's behalf, stating that they would fully cooperate with the authorities to dispel these unfounded accusations.

Krach became the SPD's leading candidate for the Berlin State Parliament election on September 20th in the summer of 2025. He previously served as the President of the Region Hannover in 2021. Currently, he also holds the position of party chairman, alongside Bettina König, who represents the SPD in the Berlin State Parliament. Despite the SPD's poor showing in recent polls, with only 11% support, Krach enjoys widespread support in the politically diverse Berlin SPD.

The SPD currently governs Berlin alongside the CDU. After serving as State Secretary for Science in Berlin from 2014 to 2021, Krach pursued his academic studies there, starting in 2002.