SPD election campaign in Berlin: The noise is still far too low

In the heart of Berlin’s political landscape, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) finds itself trailing behind its rivals in the run-up to the September 20 election for the city's parliament. The party’s top candidate, Steffen Krach, has struggled to gain traction amid fierce competition from the Left and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), both of which have launched aggressive campaigns to secure the top spot. According to recent polling data released by Infratest Dimap, the SPD’s support among Berliners has plummeted to just 12 percent, half of what it was during the last parliamentary election in 2021. This decline raises serious questions about Krach’s ability to lead the party into a competitive race. Krach, a 46-year-old former state secretary for science in Berlin, made his campaign debut in the affluent district of Steglitz. There, he engaged with a couple dining at a café, handing them a flyer titled “My Berlin Promise”, a 100-day plan outlining 11 pledges aimed at addressing local concerns. His promises included ending the chaos of e-scooters and restoring regular waste collection services. Despite these efforts, Krach remains relatively unknown to many Berliners, with only 33 percent of residents recognizing him. This lack of public awareness contrasts sharply with the higher name recognition of his competitors, such as Left candidate Elif Eralp (27 percent) and Green candidate Werner Graf (24 percent). The SPD’s struggles reflect broader challenges within the party. Once a dominant force in German politics, the SPD has faced internal divisions and declining voter trust, particularly in urban centers like Berlin. The party’s leadership, including its historical ties to the legacy of Willy Brandt, has come under scrutiny. A recent report noted that the party’s influence appears to be waning, symbolized by the fading visibility of its traditional symbols. Meanwhile, Krach, who worked in Berlin from 2014 to 2021, brings insider knowledge of the city’s administrative complexities. Yet, this experience has not translated into widespread public support. Despite the low poll numbers, Krach remains defiant. During a meeting with taz, he dismissed the latest survey results, insisting that “nothing is decided yet.” He emphasized his commitment to realistic policies rather than empty promises, arguing that voters seek practical solutions over hype. However, the gap between his current standing and the expectations placed upon him as a nominee from the 2025 SPD congress remains wide. His campaign, though active, has been limited to around ten to twelve events per day, beginning only in early August. With less than two months until the election, time is running out for Krach to build momentum. The political climate in Berlin is highly competitive, with the Left and CDU vying for dominance. Both parties have invested heavily in their campaigns, leveraging social media and direct outreach to connect with voters. The SPD, meanwhile, faces the dual challenge of rebuilding its reputation and increasing its visibility. Krach’s personal appeal and policy proposals may offer some hope, but they must overcome deep-seated skepticism among voters who have grown disillusioned with the party’s performance in recent years. As the campaign intensifies, the outcome of the September 20 vote will likely hinge on whether Krach can bridge the gap between his credentials and public perception. For now, the SPD remains far behind its rivals, with little sign that the situation will change soon. The coming weeks will test Krach’s ability to turn his campaign into a credible movement capable of challenging the established powers in Berlin’s political arena.