Berlin’s left-wing parties — the Linke, SPD and Greens — reached an agreement on combating antisemitism on Thursday, clearing the way for coalition talks after weeks of dispute.
The parties adopted a “Berliner Vereinbarung” that establishes a mechanism to address antisemitic statements within their ranks, particularly targeting the Linke. Any of the three factions can trigger a review process to determine whether a statement constitutes legitimate criticism of Israel or antisemitism. If the parliamentary managers of the factions fail to agree, three independent public figures will assess the case, with potential sanctions ranging up to expulsion from the faction.
SPD’s lead candidate Steffen Krach called the agreement unprecedented, stating, “No other coalition has such a paper.” The move follows pressure from SPD and Greens, who demanded concrete action after controversial figures, including a known clan leader and a PFLP sympathizer, appeared at a Linke election party in Neukölln last month. The PFLP is designated a terrorist organization by the EU.
The Central Council of Jews in Germany criticized the agreement as insufficient. Its president, Josef Schuster, said, “Formulas to protect Jewish life cannot conceal the antisemitism still tolerated in the Linke,” urging SPD and Greens to demand “concrete, including personnel, consequences” and make cooperation contingent on their implementation .
All 45 members of the Linke’s parliamentary group are expected to sign a pledge next week to uphold party resolutions, including the protection of Jewish life and a ban on cooperation with groups like Hamas. The agreement also affirms Israel’s right to exist as “non-negotiable” .
