The Left party in Berlin has selected Elif Eralp as its lead candidate for the upcoming parliamentary elections, marking a strategic shift for the party as it seeks to regain momentum in the capital. Officially nominated at the state party conference in Lichtenberg on Saturday following the adoption of a key policy proposal, Eralp’s candidacy underscores a focus on addressing pressing social and economic concerns, alongside delicate considerations of intercultural coexistence.
Eralp’s inaugural speech centered primarily on the escalating housing crisis, a defining issue for Berliners. She positioned herself as a champion for affordability, directly challenging the influence of large-scale property developers whom she accused of engaging in illegal rent increases. Her proposed solutions are radical, including plans for the potential nationalization of major housing corporations and the implementation of rent controls on publicly-owned housing stock. This platform represents a significant departure from more moderate approaches and indicates an intention to energize the Left’s base with a confrontational stance against market forces.
Beyond housing, Eralp addressed inequalities in the education system and the need for affordable public transportation, standard themes for the Left. However, a noteworthy aspect of her speech was her commentary on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Berlin hosts Europe’s largest Palestinian community and maintains a vibrant Jewish presence, a demographic reality that demands a nuanced approach to delicate political issues. Eralp expressed pride in both communities and condemned the attacks against individuals wearing Kippahs, explicitly pledging her commitment to the protection and visibility of Jewish life. She condemned the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, as a “watershed moment” while simultaneously advocating for preventing the instrumentalization of suffering on either side.
This balancing act highlights the challenges navigating a politically complex landscape and underscores the party’s attempt to project a message of inclusivity and empathy, a factor potentially crucial in appealing to a broader electorate.
The Left has demonstrably clawed itself back from a recent polling slump, currently holding second place in Berlin behind the ruling CDU. While the CDU is anticipating losses compared to the 2023 repeat election, The Left’s elevation in the polls signals a revitalized presence. Berliners are projected to cast their votes on September 20, 2026 and the election promises to be a pivotal test of Eralp’s leadership and the party’s ability to translate renewed momentum into electoral success. Critics will undoubtedly scrutinize the feasibility of her ambitious economic proposals and examine the potential for societal divisions to be exacerbated by her stance on the Middle East conflict.
