Elif Eralp, a 45-year-old lawyer and daughter of political migrants from Turkey, is poised to become Berlin’s next mayor, potentially marking the first time the German capital is led by a person of Turkish descent. Representing the far-left party Die Linke, Eralp’s strong performance in the recent regional election has energized her party and could lead to a shift in Berlin’s political landscape.
The election, held in late 2023, saw Die Linke secure approximately 26% of the vote, placing it ahead of the center-left Social Democrats and the Greens, as well as the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The CDU, which previously held the mayoral office, was defeated amid mounting opposition to its policies. Eralp’s appeal notably resonated with younger voters, with 47% of those under 30 casting ballots in her favor, and her campaign effectively mobilized many first-time voters through door-to-door outreach and social media engagement.
Eralp’s platform has centered on housing affordability, a pressing issue in Berlin, where rising rents have contributed to a housing crisis. She has called for the expropriation of more than 200,000 residential units owned by large corporate landlords, asserting that the city should belong to all residents rather than real estate speculators. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other CDU leaders strongly oppose this plan, warning of potential economic fallout. Merz has pledged legislative efforts to block such measures, but Eralp remains committed to advancing them if she assumes office.
Despite the electoral success, Die Linke’s potential governance of Berlin remains uncertain. The party faces scrutiny over allegations of antisemitism within its ranks and accusations of tolerating or engaging with criminal elements. Coalition talks with the Social Democrats and Greens—both seen as possible partners—have been complicated by demands for clarity and accountability on these controversies. Die Linke’s leadership maintains that it is taking steps to address any antisemitism and rejects the accusations as unfounded.
Eralp’s personal background has profoundly shaped her political views. Her parents, Hülya and Selçuk, were political activists in Turkey who faced imprisonment following a military coup. Her mother, a known feminist, was released from jail only due to pregnancy. The family sought asylum in Germany, where Eralp was born in Munich in 1981. Growing up in Kreuzberg, a district known for its vibrant Turkish community, Eralp has firsthand experience with issues of racism and discrimination. These experiences have informed her commitment to social justice and her decision to enter politics.
After studying law at the University of Hamburg, Eralp moved to Berlin for legal training and later became involved with Die Linke’s parliamentary group before securing a seat in the Berlin state parliament. She has described her political career as an extension of her early ambition to defend human rights, shifting from legal advocacy to political action. As she prepares to potentially lead Berlin’s government, Eralp promises to serve all residents of the city while confronting the challenges ahead.