Overview
- Neukölln’s mayor and Berlin SPD co-chair Martin Hikel bowed out after securing only 68.5% at a local delegates’ meeting, saying he could not authentically lead a campaign with such limited support.
- The nominating session was aborted following his announcement, halting the borough’s selection process for the 2026 race.
- Integration commissioner Güner Balci defended Hikel and alleged that “Islamists and activists” have infiltrated parts of the SPD and administration, characterizing these as factors in efforts to bring him down.
- Balci accused a small left flank of targeting Hikel for years, disputed the use of terms like “antimuslimischer Rassismus,” and said she may reconsider remaining in her post if he departs.
- The dispute casts a shadow over the Berlin SPD’s plan to confirm Steffen Krach as lead candidate on Saturday, even as Hikel predicts he will receive a strong, unified vote.