The possibility of a coalition involving the Berlin state chapter of the Left Party is triggering serious security concerns within the federal Green Party. Konstantin von Notz, Deputy Leader of the Green parliamentary group, told the Süddeutsche Zeitung that when the Berliner Linke participated in government, “relevant security questions” arose.
The internal politician, who also serves on the parliamentary control committee for intelligence services, stated that while there has been significant discussion about protecting sensitive state information from access by the AfD, “risks are obvious with the Berliner Linke too.”
Von Notz indicated that the Greens might renounce a coalition with the Left Party in Berlin if the necessary safeguards cannot be met. He emphasized, “The integrity of state action must be preserved at any democratic cost. I believe there are clear red lines regarding coalitions and government accountability.”
The intense debate was precipitated by questionable contacts associated with the Left Party. Specifically, sources reported that a local clan leader and a known anti-Israel activist appeared at the Linke party rally on Sunday. Furthermore, contacts linking a federal Left Party member, Ferat Kocak, to the Remmos family were made public.
Adding to the worry, the Left Party’s election program had promised massive reductions in policing and in the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Verfassungsschutz) should they win an election. Von Notz and other interior policy specialists are concerned that all federal security bodies, including the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), maintain a strong presence in Berlin. He noted, “These authorities are confronted daily with relevant threats and must ensure their own security. This requires close and confidential coordination with Berlin authorities.”
Von Notz ultimately attributed the current difficulties to the Left Party itself. He concluded, “In recent months, no one in the Left Party has shown interest in ensuring genuine governmental competence. The party is now dealing with the full consequences of this problem.”
