The Berlin Greens candidate, Elif Eralp, has admitted that her own party has made mistakes. Although the current attacks against the Left Party concerning accusations of antisemitism and links to “clan contacts” are destructive, she stressed that these external crises do not negate the fact that errors have occurred within her own party.
When asked about the messages she intended to send to potential coalition partners, the Greens and the Social Democrats, regarding these issues, Eralp told Spiegel that her immediate priority was not assuring others, but ensuring that her own party addressed its internal shortcomings.
Eralp also vigorously denied charges of antisemitism leveled by her political opponents, asserting that she has never said or done anything antisemitic in her life.
After the Left Party’s success in the Berlin House of Representatives election, Eralp had little time to celebrate. She recounted that Sunday she was able to be happy, but on Monday, she had to read about the incidents that had transpired. This referred to reports about “clan contacts” within the party and photographs showing party friends alongside Ibrahim Ibrahim. Regarding Ibrahim, who is aspiring to be the governing Mayor, Eralp stated clearly that she has no connection to him.
Meanwhile, Dietmar Bartsch, a former leader of the Left’s parliamentary group, also indicated that significant discussion remains necessary, particularly following Ferat Kocak’s withdrawal from the Bundestag’s Inner Committee. Speaking to Stern, Bartsch demanded that Kocak provide a complete and transparent explanation of the situation, deeming the current state “dubious.” When asked if he supported Kocak’s decision, which was criticized due to potential ties to the “clan milieu,” Bartsch initially replied yes, though he added that the matter would need to be thoroughly debated within the party faction.
Bartsch also defended the party against the antisemitism allegations. He insisted that the fears of many Jewish people must be taken seriously, but affirmed that the Left Party is not an antisemitic one. He emphasized that neither he, Gregor Gysi, Bodo Ramelow, nor Petra Pau would ever be in an antisemitic party. Furthermore, Bartsch voiced his support for Eralp, stating that he stands firmly behind the top candidate and the state leadership, all of whom have taken a clear stand against antisemitism.
