Dirk Wiese, the parliamentary director for the SPD parliamentary group, stated that he has reservations about the views of the Berlin left regarding antisemitism, the socialization of assets, and the constitutional protection agency (Verfassungsschutz).
Wiese told the news outlet “Welt” that he does not view a governing partnership between the capital’s SPD and the Left Party as inevitable. “I say this quite openly: I also have my reservations about that,” he admitted. He added that the respective parties can review these issues now, should they invite consultants during any consultation processes.
Regarding the Left Party’s goal to expropriate large housing companies, Wiese called this approach entirely incorrect. He emphasized his personal disagreement with the concept of asset socialization, noting that the SPD does not want to stifle new construction. While he acknowledges the need for more housing in Berlin, he sees this as a lengthy discussion that will not be settled overnight. Consequently, he believes it will take some time before a government can be formed in Berlin.
Furthermore, Wiese cautioned against a proposed overhaul and extensive reduction of the constitutional protection agency put forward by the Left. Given his long experience with security policy within the SPD parliamentary group, he warned that abolishing the agency would be a major mistake.
In regards to forming a coalition, Wiese does not see any predetermination for the Left Party to be a partner. He noted that a SPD coalition with the CDU and the Greens is also mathematically possible. He concluded that the mandate to govern either belongs to the Left or the CDU. Wiese admitted to being uncertain whether the Left Party even wanted to rule, suggesting that the party itself might first need to clarify several of its internal positions. He highlighted that some factions within the Berlin left had previously stated that they were only willing to govern if they controlled 50 percent of the seats, suggesting the Left Party still had significant internal debates ahead of it.
