Berlin išče nove zmagovalce problemov, Merz pa se trese

Berlin's upcoming state election on September 20, 2026, is shaping up as a pivotal moment in the city's political landscape, with the left-wing Left Party (Die Linke) leading polls and the ruling Social Democrats (SPD) and Green Party (Grüne) facing uncertain futures. According to recent surveys, the Left Party, led by Turkish-born candidate Elif Eralp, holds 22% of voter support, slightly ahead of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) at 20%. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) trails at 18%, while the Greens have 15% and the SPD 12%. The election comes amid growing concerns over rising living costs, particularly soaring rent prices, which have become a central issue in the campaign. Eralp, a former lawyer and human rights advocate, has focused her efforts on addressing housing shortages and advocating for the nationalization of properties owned by large housing corporations. Her approach echoes that of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, both known for their grassroots campaigns and emphasis on affordable housing. Eralp's candidacy has drawn support from voters of Turkish descent, expanding beyond traditional Left Party bases. Born in Munich to parents from Turkey, she grew up in Hamburg and has spoken openly about witnessing racism and injustice during her childhood. She studied law and worked with the United Nations refugee agency before joining the Bundestag as a legal advisor to the Left Party. Since entering Berlin’s state parliament in 2021, she has continued to push for progressive policies. Despite her lead in the polls, Eralp faces challenges in securing a majority. The election outcome will determine whether the Left can form a government, potentially requiring alliances with the SPD and Greens, both of whom have struggled to maintain relevance in recent years. Some SPD members have expressed reluctance to cooperate with the Left due to ideological differences, particularly regarding housing reforms. Meanwhile, the CDU, represented by candidate Stefan Evers, has faced internal divisions following controversies surrounding former mayor Kai Wegner. Evers, previously the city’s finance and culture senator, took over the candidacy after Wegner resigned amid allegations of misleading statements related to a power outage in early 2026. While Evers has managed to improve the CDU’s standing among some voters, his campaign is overshadowed by ongoing debates over housing affordability and urban development. The election also reflects broader societal tensions in Berlin, where a diverse population includes nearly 40% with migration backgrounds. Voters navigate a complex social fabric marked by linguistic diversity, cultural shifts, and evolving expectations. Despite these challenges, many residents remain pragmatic, adapting to daily life in one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. As the campaign intensifies, all eyes are on the final days before voting, with key decisions likely to shape Berlin’s future governance and policy direction. The results will not only determine the next mayor but also set the tone for how the city addresses its pressing social and economic issues in the coming years.