Regierungsbildung in Berlin: SPD setzt Linken Stoppsignal: Antisemitismus nicht mit uns

The ruling party formation in Berlin is being threatened by the Social Democratic Party's (SPD) handling of antisemitism and clan criminality, as the SPD's national leadership has intervened in the debate, demanding the left to consistently prevent such incidents. The party's leaders Lars Klingbeil, Bärbel Bas, and Tim Klüssendorf wrote in an Instagram post that "antisemitic slogans have no place in our society or politics" and that "the left will be measured and must not give a millimeter of space to antisemitism and clan criminals in their ranks.

The responsibility lies there." This can be seen as a clear call to address the problem before forming a joint government. The victorious left-wing party in Berlin (25.7%) is aiming to form a government alongside the Greens (14.3%) and the SPD (12.1), with their main candidate Elif Eralp at the helm. Both potential partners have been invited to preliminary talks this week.

However, the state party, or at least parts of it, has been under criticism due to its positions on the Middle East conflict and antisemitism. The recent issue was a party event in Neukölln on Sunday evening, where a known clan member and an antisemitic activist were present. The PFLP, an organization classified as a terrorist group by the EU, was also represented.

Additionally, SPD Bundestag member Ferat Koçak faced pressure for contacting a Remmo son from the Remmo clan, known for numerous crimes and violence. Remmo's son posted a chat log where Koçak asked for help in spreading a video, to which Remmo responded "Happy to be your brother." The video titled "Hysterical Endless Debate: CLANS" criticized the term "clan criminality," which critics argue stigmatizes and discriminates against people based solely on their family background and origin.

The left leadership has repeatedly distanced itself from these and similar incidents, with Eralp and party chair Ines Schwerdtner emphasizing their commitment to protecting Jewish life. Koçak later admitted the chat contact was a mistake and apologized. The left Bundestag faction has distanced itself from these incidents multiple times, with Eralp and Schwerdtner repeatedly stating they stand against the protection of Jewish life.

The Greens, as another potential coalition partner for the left alongside the SPD, have expressed outrage and demanded that Koçak be excluded from the party.