German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, the most popular SPD federal politician in surveys, has publicly opposed a coalition between the SPD, Greens and Left in Berlin shortly before negotiations are due to start. In an interview on ZDF's "Berlin direkt," he said he would hold talks at several levels, including with party colleagues in the capital, but made clear he does not favor continuing on the path with the Left. He said the decision rests with the Berlin SPD state association, while warning that proceeding with the Left would cost the party trust.
Pistorius argued that the Berlin Left is unclear and diffuse on important questions. He pointed to differing positions within the party on antisemitism and criticized its stance toward security authorities and criminal clans.
His intervention comes as resistance inside the SPD grows. More than 700 Social Democrats have signed a call titled "Not at Any Price," including former SPD leader Sigmar Gabriel and Berlin politician Franziska Giffey. Pistorius said he would sign it as well, arguing that "a coalition with the Left in Berlin is not what the SPD should support."
Coalition negotiations among the SPD, Greens and Left are scheduled to begin Monday. The Berlin Left approved the start of talks at a party congress, and the three parties aim to form a new city government by the turn of the year. Left lead candidate Elif Eralp could become Berlin's first governing mayor from her party.
Sources: Der Spiegel.