Regierungsbildung: Berliner Linke Eralp: „Werden uns nicht kleinkriegen lassen“

Berliner Linke-Fraktionschefin Elif Eralp has emphasized her determination to become the city's elected mayor despite all resistance. Speaking at a Landesparteitag, she stated, "We will not give in to intimidation, and I will not give up." Eralp noted that every day brings new attempts to force her and others into submission. She accused the CDU's Friedrich Merz and others of attempting to "blackmail" her Green and SPD coalition partners to prevent a red-green-red government from forming in Berlin.

Eralp described this as an "assault wave," which she believes the Left will overcome. She emphasized that the people of Berlin have elected them for change, and she will deliver on that promise, expecting their support to improve their lives. Eralp acknowledged a "destructive dimension" to external criticism, stating that accusations against her and her party have lost all credibility.

"Why? Because we aim to put people at the center of our politics, not profit. Because we aim to tackle the property question," she explained. At her more than 20-minute speech, Eralp relied heavily on emotion, receiving cheers and chants of "Elif, Elif" throughout. She addressed a "Spiegel" report published on Thursday, which had caused significant controversy.

According to the report, Eralp's family may be in danger if she explicitly identifies with a known Palestinian activist and terrorism sympathizer with whom Left members had contact. Following the report's publication, she faced calls for resignation from various quarters, including more hostility than before. "And even more hatred than before," she said.

"As a migrant woman, I am accustomed to many things in politics, but this has now reached an entirely unacceptable level." However, Eralp also received substantial solidarity. "I am not intimidated by this," she insisted. "People in leadership roles and some media have accused me of not being able to protect Berlin due to my own concerns.

I see it differently. Because I understand and empathize with various concerns, I will act accordingly. And of course, I will stand against any form of hostility, anti-Semitism, and racism." The Berlin Left will decide on the start of coalition negotiations with the Greens and SPD at their party meeting, with a clear majority expected in favor of the plan.