The Left party, led by Elif Eralp, won the recent elections in Berlin, contrasting with the far-right AfD's gains in eastern Germany. Eralp, of Turkish descent, is poised to become the city's first mayor with an immigrant background. The Left secured 25.7 percent of the vote, with Eralp's personal approval ratings at 36 percent, according to a ZDF poll.
The election results have been met with optimism among pro-migrant residents, particularly in areas with significant immigrant populations. Sumeja Skeva, an 18-year-old student from Neukolln, expressed hope for the future, stating her desire for policies that tax the wealthy and create more opportunities.
Eralp's campaign focused on addressing high rent prices and housing shortages, proposing measures such as rent caps and the expropriation of homes from large landlords. She also aims to improve neighborhood conditions and advocate for the voting rights of non-citizens in local elections.
Supporters like Michael Akan, a 26-year-old security worker, highlighted the importance of addressing high living costs. However, some believe that the Left's policies may not directly impact gas prices, which are regulated at the state level.
Berlin has a diverse population, with nearly half of its 3.6 million residents having an immigration background. The Turkish community is the largest group, contributing to the city's development post-World War II.
While the Left celebrated its victory, the AfD also reported strong results, receiving 16 percent of the vote in Berlin and winning state elections in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Ana Pareja, a bookstore owner, emphasized the significance of having a mayor with an immigrant background, noting the importance of Eralp's proposals.
Eralp's stance on various issues, including support for Palestine, has drawn criticism for lacking clarity. Despite this, she maintains her commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. The Left will need to form a coalition to govern, likely partnering with the Social Democrats (SPD) and conservatives (CDU), both of which have expressed reservations about some of Eralp's policies.
Negotiations for a coalition are expected to take time, but supporters are hopeful that the election results signal a shift against the far-right narrative in Germany.