Overview
- Neukölln integration commissioner Güner Balci told Der Spiegel that Islamist actors, including figures described by the domestic intelligence service as Muslim Brotherhood–adjacent, had penetrated parts of the party.
- She also asserted that some reporting offices documenting anti-Muslim incidents are hosted by Islamist activists.
- Berlin SPD lead candidate Steffen Krach dismissed the allegations, calling the statements "somewhat absurd."
- SPD state leaders Nicola Böcker-Giannini and Martin Hikel labeled Balci’s assessment "clearly false" and pointed to plural, democratic internal debate.
- The row followed Hikel’s announcement that he will not seek re-election after receiving 68.5% in an internal vote, with Balci blaming a persistent small left wing for long-running opposition to him.