Germany’s left-wing party Die Linke secured a decisive victory in Berlin’s state election on Sunday, capturing approximately 25 percent of the vote and surpassing the Christian Democrats, led nationally by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The result positions Die Linke to potentially lead the city’s government, pending successful coalition negotiations, with Elif Eralp as the party’s lead candidate and prospective governing mayor.

Berlin, one of Germany’s 16 federal states with representation in the Bundesrat, adds national significance to the outcome. However, early coalition talks have already encountered resistance from Die Linke’s natural partners, the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens, over concerns about the party’s alleged antisemitism. SPD figures, including former Berlin Mayor Michael Müller, have publicly opposed joining a coalition with Die Linke, accusing the party of fostering an environment that endangers Jewish life in the city and failing to fully distance itself from anti-Israel rhetoric.

The debate over Die Linke’s relationship to antisemitism has dominated German political discourse since the election. Chancellor Merz condemned recent developments on Berlin’s streets and media as a “disgrace for Germany,” emphasizing that the safety of Jewish communities should concern all democratic parties, particularly the SPD and Greens. Israel’s ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, also voiced grave concerns, labeling Berlin’s Jewish community as facing an “immediate existential threat” and accusing Die Linke of harboring “utterly uninhibited antisemitism.” The Israeli embassy reiterated these comments but declined to elaborate on the basis for its assessment or to comment on the perspectives of Die Linke’s voters.

Within Die Linke, divisions have surfaced following the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since October 7, with some members expressing pro-Palestinian solidarity and others advocating more moderate positions supporting the two-state solution and Israel’s right to exist. In June, the party adopted a resolution condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide while affirming Israel’s right to coexist alongside a Palestinian state. Former co-chair Jan van Aken, involved in drafting the statement, highlighted Germany’s “special responsibility” to Israel and Jewish communities, stating that criticism of Israeli government policies does not equate to antisemitism. He acknowledged the presence of radical voices within the party but characterized them as a marginal group lacking influence over official policy or governance plans.

A significant focus of criticism stems from Die Linke’s Berlin Neukölln district branch, where incidents such as a campaign event featuring chants calling for an “Intifada” and “Death to the IDF” and reports of controversial guests at the party’s victory celebration have fueled allegations of antisemitism. The party denied inviting two individuals linked to Palestinian militant groups and criminal activity and said they were asked to leave once identified. Eralp condemned any celebration of violence or terrorism and pledged to ensure safety for all Berliners, including Jewish and minority communities.

Comparatively, experts note Die Linke’s cautious approach to Middle East policy, suggesting it is neither more radical nor faster to adopt hardline positions than other European left-wing parties that have escalated criticism of Israel amid ongoing conflict. Some scholars advocate reducing the intensity of the antisemitism debate, emphasizing that antisemitic sentiments exist across the political spectrum and acknowledging Die Linke’s recent public stands against such prejudice.

Van Aken characterizes the current criticism as politically motivated and predicts that SPD and Greens may eventually enter coalition talks with Die Linke, prioritizing political change and renewal despite current reservations. The unfolding developments in Berlin’s government formation will bear implications for both local governance and federal political dynamics in Germany.