Ines Schwerdtner, the leader of the Left party, argues that it is legitimate for the Berlin Left to establish its own specific rules for its politicians regarding attitudes toward anti-Semitism. Speaking to the Focus podcast “Machtmenschen,” she stated: “I don’t want to seem sulky, but conversely, we would never demand that from the Greens or the SPD.”
Her comments came in response to questions about why the Berlin Left faction and Vanessa Emde were required to sign an anti-Semitism declaration similar to, but distinct from, the one previously hammered out with the Greens and SPD. Schwerdtner countered that the earlier document was merely a compromise, asserting, “We can make our own rules.” She also referenced the ongoing legal issues faced by Steffen Krach, the regional leader of the SPD in Berlin, noting that since the prosecutor’s office is already investigating him, “we could say: Until that is settled, that man cannot participate in negotiations any longer.”
The prosecutor’s office in Hanover has been conducting criminal investigations into Krach since September regarding suspicions of corruption. Schwerdtner cautioned against allowing political disagreements to devolve into personal disputes, instead advocating for a broader discussion on how Jewish life in Berlin can be protected, regardless of formal commitments.
The controversy surrounding the newly elected member of the Berlin Left, Vanessa Emde, had previously drawn criticism from the SPD and the Greens during preliminary talks. Media reports indicated that in May 2026, Emde allegedly stated that there is no inherent right to existence for states, only for individuals.
