The Left Party, the Greens, and the SPD have concluded their preliminary talks, resulting in the presentation of a joint policy paper titled “More Together – More Berlin.” Elif Eralp, representing the Left Party and aiming for the position of Governing Mayor, articulated that the primary goals of this paper are to establish a Berlin that is affordable, climate-friendly, and economically robust, ensuring that every individual can live a dignified and safe life, regardless of their origin, religion, identity, or income.
A central theme emphasized in the discussions is the promotion of social cohesion within the city, with Eralp advocating for a political approach that embraces unity and moves away from polarization and division. The parties expressed a commitment to supporting all communities in Berlin, striving to build bridges and foster connection. They also made a specific joint pledge to protect Jewish life, noting the recent spike in antisemitism in the city and vowing stronger prevention measures against it. Furthermore, they committed to combating anti-Muslim racism, anti-Gypsyism, racism against Palestinians, and all forms of general racism and queerphobia.
In the crucial area of housing, the Left Party successfully pushed for the socialization of large housing corporations-those possessing more than 10,000 residential units. This move aims to pull approximately 160,000 apartments out of market logic to secure affordable rents, according to Eralp. Extending this focus, the Greens, Left, and SPD also plan to implement rent monitoring and institute a rent cap specifically for state-owned housing companies. SPD leader Steffen Krach spoke of a major new construction program aimed at delivering 100,000 new housing units, proposing a “triad” consisting of new building initiatives, order, and a rent cap.
On social welfare, the policy document proposes making the social ticket more affordable. To address waste issues in various neighborhoods, a free bulk waste collection day has been scheduled annually. In education, the parties intend to expand community schools and guarantee free access from kindergarten through university. An independent complaints body is also planned to address discrimination and bullying within the educational system, ensuring that refugee children can attend regular schools. Additionally, the free museum day will be reintroduced, and both a Democracy Promotion Act and a Culture Promotion Act will be adopted.
Highlighting the importance of a strong democracy, Eralp argued that participation by all citizens, including those with immigrant backgrounds who helped build and shape the city, is essential. They therefore support implementing voting rights on the municipal and state levels, independent of passport status within their spheres of competence, a change that could come in five years.
Werner Graf, Chairman of the Green faction in the Berlin House of Representatives, added that Berlin must evolve into a climate-neutral metropolitan center. He promised more trees, more benches, and more fountains, as well as the continuation of zero-waste strategies and the examination of a packaging tax. To improve local mobility, he committed to ending the halt on bicycle paths and reinvesting in cycling infrastructure. Furthermore, investment decisions for buses and trains must be prioritized, and the 17th development segment of the A100 highway will not proceed.
Graf also stated that a net-zero urbanization by 2030 is a goal, and no construction should be permitted on the Tempelhofer Feld. Instead, a redevelopment agency will be tasked with finding vacant offices that can be converted into residential space, and landlords will be obligated to invest and increase the supply of affordable housing. Finally, Graf stated that he can recommend to his party, with full confidence, that they enter into coalition negotiations based on the outcomes of this policy paper. A small party conference is scheduled for Monday to solidify this decision.
