Berlin Left Leader’s Leaked Fear of Hamas Links Threatens Coalition
Elif Eralp, the leading candidate for Berlin mayor from the far-left Die Linke party, faces a crisis after private comments expressing fear of individuals linked to Hamas were accidentally leaked to Der Spiegel. The remarks complicate coalition negotiations with the Social Democrats and Greens, who have signed a pledge to combat antisemitism and strengthen police powers. While Eralp maintains her candidacy, opponents argue her reluctance to name specific suspects contradicts her party’s security stance, and internal party divisions over pro-Palestinian positions threaten the governing alliance.