The Berlin Left party is reaffirming its ambition to govern the capital. Bjoern Tielebein, the party’s state director and campaign manager, told the newspaper “Welt” that there is “absolutely no doubt” about their desire to move into the Red City Hall. He added that the current campaign demonstrated a clarity, unity, and fighting spirit that has never been seen before.
This assertive stance is rooted in a call issued by the Berlin Youth of the Left titled “Rebellious Campaign: Fighting for Left Politics Instead of Government Involvement.” Under the umbrella network “Left in the Left,” this campaign is specifically opposing any potential coalition with the SPD and the Greens. Instead of participating in the current government structure, the initiative aims to “build a force that tackles the root of the problem by fighting together against capitalism and for a socialist revolution-for a society free from exploitation and oppression,” the appeal states.
The leadership of the Berlin Left is openly backing mayoral candidate Elif Eralp. She was elected as the top candidate at the state party conference with “unanimous support and great applause.” Tielebein emphasized that the party platform now explicitly states: “Elif Eralp is our candidate for the office of Governing Mayor.” The party’s objective is to “capture” the Red City Hall to effect change in the city. Tielebein concluded by noting that in the final stages of the election campaign, they are mobilizing thousands of volunteers for door-to-door visits in every neighborhood and street across Berlin.
