A far-left German political party has won Berlin’s state elections on September 20, securing 25 percent of the popular vote—a significant increase from 12 percent in 2023—and earning 47 seats in the city’s House of Representatives. As the largest party in the chamber, it now holds a strong position to lead Berlin’s next government.
The Left Party, which traces its origins to the Socialist Unity Party that ruled communist East Germany during the Cold War, campaigned on nationalizing housing and forcibly transferring rental properties from private owners. Lead candidate Elif Eralp stated that “the housing issue is the central social issue facing our city” and pledged to take “all necessary steps” to make Berlin more affordable and lower rents.
The party’s platform draws comparisons to policies championed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, though it has not explicitly cited him. Following its electoral success, Eralp reaffirmed her commitment to the housing agenda as coalition negotiations with other parties continue.
A 2021 referendum in Berlin showed that nearly 60 percent of voters supported expropriating properties from major real estate companies. The organization behind the referendum estimates that the city could forcibly acquire up to 220,000 apartments at prices not exceeding 60 percent of their market value—amounting to €18 billion.
The Green Party also advocates for nationalized housing, contributing to pro-nationalization parties holding a majority in Berlin’s legislative chamber. Germany’s constitution permits such actions under Article 15, which states that “land, natural resources, and the means of production may be transferred to public ownership.”