Overview
- The three parties issued a joint statement after a second Vorgespräch on Saturday that they had agreed on a “further common path” and would finish current talks in the coming week.
- The Vorgespräche are a rare, early step meant to test basic acceptability before formal exploratory (Sondierung) talks and focused on allegations of antisemitism, links to organised crime and the Linke’s ties to Rote Hilfe.
- Key issues remain unresolved and confidential, with Greens and SPD insisting on clarifications about prejudice, handling of racism and criminal contacts before advancing.
- Policy disputes also persist, notably the SPD’s public criticism of the Linke’s plan to expropriate large housing companies, which could block agreement even if vetting concerns are answered.
- A different majority is still mathematically possible with a CDU–Green–SPD alignment, so the coming week’s decision will determine whether Berlin moves toward formal coalition Sondierungen or the talks end without a deal.