Left Party Wins Berlin Election, Pledges Nationalisation of Housing

BERLIN — Germany’s Left Party emerged as the leading force in Berlin’s state election on Sunday, securing 25.3 percent of the vote and overtaking the ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU), according to election projections reported by Reuters.

The CDU received 19 percent, while the Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured 16 percent and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) took 12.1 percent. The result marked a significant increase in support for the Left Party compared with its previous performance in the capital.

Left Party lead candidate Elif Eralp made housing affordability a central issue during the campaign, highlighting rising rental costs in Berlin. Following the election result, she reiterated her commitment to pursuing the nationalisation of private housing associations and measures aimed at limiting speculation in the housing market.

The proposed policy could transfer approximately 220,000 housing units into state ownership. However, its implementation remains uncertain, with Social Democratic Party General Secretary Tim Kluessendorf estimating that nationalisation could cost around €20 billion. A recent Infratest Dimap poll found that 37 percent of respondents supported the proposal.

The election result could pave the way for Eralp to become Berlin’s first mayor from the Left Party, which has its origins in the former East German communist party.

Both the SPD and the Greens have indicated openness to coalition discussions with the Left Party. However, Greens leader Felix Banaszak said that allegations of antisemitism involving parts of the Left Party in Berlin would need to be addressed before any partnership could proceed. The Left Party has rejected accusations of systematic antisemitism and said it opposes antisemitism, racism and sexism.

The Berlin election took place alongside voting in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where the AfD emerged as the leading party, according to projections. The results highlighted significant shifts in Germany’s state-level political landscape, with both the Left Party and AfD gaining ground in their respective strongholds and established parties facing weaker results.

Housing costs and broader economic concerns were among the major issues influencing the Berlin campaign, amid continuing debate over Germany’s economic outlook and the policies of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s federal government.