Reports indicate that Elif Eralp, the top candidate for mayor representing the Left party in Berlin, held membership in “Rote Hilfe” (Red Aid) up until the previous year. This was inferred from two earlier editions of the Berlin Chamber of Deputies manual, according to the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”, which conducted its own investigation. These specific editions were published in March 2022 and July 2023. However, the most recent version of the Deputies manual, dated October 2025, no longer mentions Eralp’s membership in the organization.
The Constitutional Protection Agency classifies “Rote Hilfe” as one of the most significant and largest groups within German left-wing extremism. Current reports from the agency state that the primary activity of the group is assisting left-wing extremist criminals. The organization reportedly offers a means for these individuals to carry out acts of crime and violence.
Individuals with left-leaning convictions can apply through “Rote Hilfe” to have their fines and penalties reimbursed. The organization’s internal guidelines allegedly emphasize discouraging cooperation with police and courts; for instance, “Rote Hilfe” can reject an aid application if the applicant chooses to testify or apologize in a criminal proceeding.
In response to the allegations, the Left Party’s regional office informed the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” that Eralp joined “Rote Hilfe” during her law studies. At the time, her motivation was to support individuals engaged in left and social causes who lacked the necessary financial means to afford legal representation. She remained a passive member for many years. Her party stated that Eralp had consistently kept her membership transparent on the Chamber of Deputies’ homepage. She exited the group last year due to what the party described as “partially different political views,” prior to her becoming the leading candidate for the Berlin Chamber of Deputies election.
The Left party secured a victory in the election held on September 20th, and Eralp is currently exploring the possibility of forming a coalition government with the Green and SPD parties.
