Berlin’s SPD and Greens have turned down the CDU’s offer to begin exploratory talks, saying they are already negotiating a coalition with Die Linke. Green Party state leader Nina Stahr said the decision had been communicated to the CDU after a meeting between the three parties at the state parliament. SPD state and parliamentary group leader Steffen Krach said the parties’ decisions to pursue negotiations with Die Linke remained in force.
CDU state leader Stefan Evers said his party regretted the refusal but was keeping the door open to what he called an alliance based on responsibility and common sense. He said the parties had discussed several areas where they might find common ground, including strengthening parliament against extremist staff, a possible bid to host an Expo, making the fight against antisemitism a state objective in Berlin’s constitution, and the city’s financial situation.
The SPD and Greens said they would continue discussions with the CDU on matters related to the orderly handover of government responsibilities. Krach said Berliners could rely on nothing being left unfinished and that the Senate remained able to work.
The SPD and Greens began coalition negotiations with Die Linke on Monday, with talks due to resume on Wednesday. Their stated aim is to form a red-green-red government in Berlin. Evers had announced last Thursday that he would offer exploratory talks at the meeting. A CDU-Green-SPD coalition would have a two-seat majority in the new state parliament, although it is uncertain whether all lawmakers from those parties would support such an alliance.
Sources: Der Spiegel.