Eralp, di origine turca, paragonato a Mamdani, di New York, nella gara di Berlino

Elif Eralp, a Turkish-origin candidate representing Germany's Left Party, has emerged as a prominent figure in Berlin’s upcoming September 20 state elections. Her campaign centers around pressing local issues such as the housing crisis, rising living costs, and the ongoing Gaza conflict. Eralp, who campaigns in the immigrant-heavy Kreuzberg district, has drawn comparisons to Zohran Mamdani, a progressive New York City council member known for his grassroots approach. These parallels have been noted by several German media outlets, highlighting similarities in their strategies and focus on marginalized communities. Eralp’s political platform emphasizes urgent action on Berlin’s housing shortage, which she claims is forcing many middle-class families and low-income residents out of the city. One of her key proposals involves the expropriation of roughly 220,000 corporate-owned apartments, with fair compensation offered to owners. This measure aims to counter real estate speculation and stabilize housing prices. “A house is a place where people live, not a tool for profit,” Eralp stated during an interview with Hürriyet Daily News. In addition to housing, Eralp has criticized the city’s public services, including transportation, cleanliness, and cultural funding. She pointed out that poorer neighborhoods receive less attention than wealthier commercial areas. “Our streets must be clean, as children’s parks should not have trash and needles used for drugs,” she said, emphasizing the need for equitable urban development. On the international stage, Eralp has taken a firm stance against what she describes as Germany’s double standards in foreign policy. She accused the government of supporting Israel unconditionally while defending human rights concerns related to Russia. “Germany applies double standards, as it defends human rights concerning Russia but sends weapons to Israel’s extreme right-wing government,” she said. Eralp called for international accountability for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urged equal empathy for all communities in Berlin, regardless of their origins. Eralp was born in Munich to immigrant parents from Turkey, who moved there following the 1980 military coup in the country. Now 45, she has spent over a decade working in human rights law. Before entering politics, she completed internships at the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and served as a legal advisor in the German parliament for 11 years. In 2021, she joined the Berlin state legislature, bringing her extensive legal experience into the political arena. Despite her growing influence, Eralp remains cautious about current polling data showing her party leading in a tightly contested election. During her interview with Hürriyet, she emphasized that polls do not equate to victory. “We will not get complacent, as we will continue to work for our people every day,” she said, underscoring her commitment to sustained efforts in the campaign. Eralp maintains close ties with Turkey, visiting the country annually and expressing a strong connection to its culture. She enjoys Turkish cuisine, 1990s pop music, and popular television shows. “Living far from Türkiye, you miss the people, the conversations, the food and the traditions,” she remarked, reflecting on her personal relationship with her heritage. As the election date approaches, Eralp’s campaign continues to gain momentum, focusing on tangible solutions to Berlin’s challenges. Her ability to connect with diverse communities, combined with her legal background and international perspective, positions her as a formidable contender in the race. The outcome of the election could significantly impact the direction of Berlin’s policies on housing, social equity, and foreign relations.