Regierungsbildung in Berlin: Banaszak: Emdes Fraktions-Aus war Grundlage für Sondierungen

The Green and SPD parties in Berlin have halted negotiations on forming a government with the Left party's election winner. Initially, they required an endorsement from all Left party members of a statement addressing antisemitism. The parties announced this after concluding an agreement last week on how to handle antisemitic incidents within the Left party.

A binding resolution on the matter was signed by Left party members on Tuesday. Green and SPD leaders Werner Graf and Steffen Krach informed the public that they had to end the negotiations to assess whether their previous agreement still holds. They expressed anticipation of the Left party clarifying their stance on the agreement.

Critics point out that some of the Left party's representatives have raised concerns about Israel and Palestine, as well as antisemitism. The Left party's new faction explicitly committed to combating antisemitism, protecting Jewish life, and Israel's right to exist during its constituting session in Berlin's parliamentary building.

All 44 present members signed the declaration, which obligates the parliamentarians to adhere to their party's decisions on these issues. The declaration forms the basis for their joint work in the faction, according to Schulze. Among the signatories is the newly elected Member of Parliament Vanessa Emde, who strongly advocated for Palestinian solidarity during the campaign.

Her critical stance towards Israel led to several controversies. Some critics question her commitment to Israel's right to exist. This speculation was unfounded, as the Left party likely accepted her.