Berlin's Left Party, SPD and Greens agree exploratory coalition talks, reports say

Berlin Left, SPD, Greens Set Conditions for Coalition Talks after State Election

Coalition Negotiations and Antisemitism Measures in Berlin

Oct 8 (Reuters) - Germany's Left Party, the centre-left SPD and the Greens have agreed on measures to address antisemitic incidents, clearing a key hurdle to the start of exploratory coalition talks in the state of Berlin, local media reported on Thursday.

Background: Berlin State Election Results

The agreement comes two-and-a-half weeks after a Berlin state election, in which the Left Party, represented by lead candidate Elif Eralp, emerged as the largest force with 25.7% of votes and began pushing for a coalition with the SPD and Greens.

Party Responses and Media Coverage

None of the three parties were immediately available for comment on the reports, which were carried by several local media.

Key Conditions for Coalition Talks

SPD and Greens’ Stance on Antisemitism

The SPD and Greens made binding commitments on combating antisemitism a precondition for negotiations, amid a debate over pro-Palestinian positions and incidents during events organised by Berlin's Left Party.

Agreed Procedures and Definitions

According to the tabloid Bild, the parties agreed on procedures for handling future antisemitic incidents, including the involvement of an expert panel if disputes arise.

The parties also agreed to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism, Bild reported.

Reporting and Editorial Credits

(Reporting by Emanuele Berro, additional reporting by Nicole Moritz, editing by Friederike Heine and Jon Boyle)