The CDU General Secretary, Franziska Hoppermann, has warned the SPD about potential repercussions for the federal government should a coalition with the Linkspartei form in the Berlin state parliament. According to Hoppermann in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, such an alliance would represent a “heavy burden” on the national government.
She further questioned the possibility of holding joint commemorative events, such as those on January 27th, or the real value of the phrase “Never again now.” Hoppermann suggested that in such a situation, all these gestures would merely look like empty lip service. Moreover, she asserted that the moral standards consistently demanded of her party regarding the AfD would become meaningless and unnecessary.
In the wake of the state election, the Linkspartei, as the election winner in Berlin, is reportedly seeking a coalition with the Greens and the SPD, with initial discussions already underway. Hoppermann strongly urged the Greens and the SPD to clarify their position, stating they must confirm that they will not elect a mayor who supports expropriations and who originates from a party she describes as being riddled with left-wing extremists and antisemites. Finally, she noted that statistically speaking, a coalition involving the CDU, Greens, and SPD could also be possible in Berlin.
