Berlin Politicians Warn Against Red-Green-Red Coalition

Following the election for the Berlin House of Representatives, dozens of figures from politics and civil society have signed a "Berlin Appeal for Responsibility." They caution against forming a coalition that includes the Left Party. The appeal's approximately 80 initial signatories include notable names such as former Bundestag President Wolfgang Thierse (SPD), former Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer (Greens), and ex-Head of the Chancellery Peter Altmaier (CDU), as first reported by Der Tagesspiegel.

The appeal states: "A governing majority must be sought that reflects the interests of broad segments of society and shares fundamental convictions about the rule of law and democracy. We do not see this with a red-green-red government."

Volker Beck, President of the German-Israeli Society and a co-initiator, released the document. Prominent representatives from the Jewish community also signed, along with Marianne Birthler, former Federal Commissioner for the Stasi Records, Martin Hikel, former SPD state chairman, and several former city senators.

Third Preliminary Talk Between Left, Greens, and SPD Planned

The appeal continues: "We therefore expect democratic parties to make their decisions not based on political habits, but on clear criteria." These criteria include protecting Jewish life, unequivocally distancing from extremism, ensuring the city's financial stability, and maintaining strong security authorities. "We fear that a government led by the Berlin Left Party could create an environment where the safety of Jewish people in Berlin can no longer be guaranteed."

The goal, they argue, must be a stable and responsible government. "CDU, Alliance 90/The Greens, and SPD now have the task of seriously examining how, against this backdrop, they can jointly assume responsibility for Berlin."

The Left Party, Greens, and SPD in Berlin are scheduled for a third preliminary discussion on Wednesday following the election. Their stated aim is to reach an understanding on antisemitism, the handling of racism, and organized crime. In the September 20th election for the Berlin House of Representatives, the Left Party emerged as the strongest force with 25.7 percent of the vote and is now pushing for a red-green-red coalition.