Germany news: Berlin's leftist parties move step closer to forming government

Berlin's leftist parties move closer to forming government

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Berlin's left-leaning parties have successfully concluded exploratory talks, with formal coalition negotiations potentially beginning next month if party members approve.

The parties, including The Left, the Greens, and the SPD, have reached an initial agreement to begin formal coalition talks. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been addressing a conservative CDU/CSU national youth-wing conference.

Germany's development minister has asked for debt borrowing rules to be eased to allow further critical Ukraine funding. The main news from and about Germany for the weekend of October 17-18 includes a roundup of key developments.

Berlin's Left Party, the Greens, and the Social Democrats (SPD) have revealed details of their governing policy, should the coalition be approved by their parties' members. Among the policies, the possible left-wing Berlin state government could bring around 160,000 apartments under public ownership.

The Left's Elif Eralp, who is seeking to become leader of Berlin, said the compromise would affect five companies, including Germany's largest property company, Vonovia. The three parties have also agreed on a 'very ambitious new building program' for public housing.

The coalition hopefuls would also work to implement a rent cap for publicly owned apartments. Volker Beck, the president of the German-Israeli Society, has sharply criticized the prospect of a Left/Green/SPD coalition in Berlin, labeling The Left 'a bunch of anti-Zionists.'