Overview
- Linke, Greens and SPD resumed exploratory talks on Thursday and agreed the shared Berlin declaration on antisemitism will be part of any coalition contract.
- The restart followed a pause triggered when the Linke parliamentary group adopted its own, softer declaration and reportedly admitted activist Vanessa Emde to the group.
- Powerful local Linke bodies continue to oppose the joint deal, and the party congress now scheduled for October 31 will decide whether to begin formal coalition negotiations.
- The joint declaration includes concrete steps such as possible exclusion of members for antisemitic conduct and measures to strengthen police and constitutional protection.
- Right-leaning media coverage and factional pressure inside all three parties have shaped the talks and made the Linke congress the decisive point for who will govern Berlin.