Left Party wins Berlin state election with 25.7%, topping CDU by wide margin
The Left Party (Die Linke) won the Berlin state election on September 20, 2026, securing 25.7% of the vote and first place with a significant lead over the CDU at around 20%. Top candidate Elif Eralp is poised to become Berlin's first left-wing governing mayor. The party's success was driven by young voters (46% of 16-24 year olds), women, and higher-educated voters, and it gained 75,000 former non-voters. The CDU-SPD coalition lost its majority, making three-party coalitions necessary.
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Left Party wins Berlin state election, driven by young, female, and educated voters
The Left Party (Die Linke) won the Berlin state parliament election with 25.7% of the vote, making Elif Eralp the likely first left-wing governing mayor of Berlin. According to a Forschungsgruppe Wahlen survey, 36% would vote for Eralp directly versus 26% for CDU candidate Stefan Evers. The party's success was driven by young voters (46% of 16-24 year olds), women (28% vs 14% for AfD), and those with higher education (32% with Abitur, 28% with university degrees). The Left Party also gained 75,000 former non-voters and 96,000 former Green and SPD voters. Among working-class voters, the Left Party received 25% compared to 29% for AfD and only 6% for Greens. The article notes the Left Party performed best in central Berlin but also won districts on the outskirts, while CDU dominated the west and AfD the east.
Read sourceDie Linke wins Berlin election, mobilizing young voters and former non-voters, says WELT editor
According to a WELT article published on September 21, 2026, the Left Party (Die Linke) emerged as the major winner of the Berlin state election. The party achieved significant gains, particularly among young voters and former non-voters. WELT editor Marian Grunden noted that this mobilization of non-voters is a tactic typically associated with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The article highlights that nearly one in four Berliners voted for Die Linke, marking a substantial shift in the city's political landscape.
Read sourceBerlin Election: Left Party Wins 40 Percent in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Dominates Six Districts
According to a report by Die Welt, the Left Party (Die Linke) achieved a major victory in the 2026 Berlin state and district elections. Based on the final count from the state election authority, the party secured approximately 25.7 percent of the vote for the Abgeordnetenhaus (state parliament), placing first by a wide margin. In the concurrent elections for the Bezirksverordnetenversammlungen (district councils), the Left Party gained 11.5 percentage points to become the strongest force in Berlin with 24.1 percent, winning six of the twelve districts. The party achieved its highest result in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg with 40.1 percent, followed by Mitte (33.7%), Neukölln (32.0%), Lichtenberg (30.4%), Pankow (26.7%), and Treptow-Köpenick (25.5%). The CDU suffered a significant decline of 9.5 points to 18.2 percent, losing its previous leading position and winning only four districts: Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Spandau, Reinickendorf, and Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf. The AfD won Marzahn-Hellersdorf with 33.8 percent, and the Greens won Tempelhof-Schöneberg. The article notes that this result marks a dramatic shift from the 2023 repeat election, where the CDU had won a majority in nine districts and the Greens in three.
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Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Five Lessons from the State Elections
This article from taz.de analyzes the 2026 state elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, drawing five key lessons. First, it argues that a focus on social cohesion and affordability (e.g., rent control in Berlin, family support in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) is an effective strategy against the far-right AfD, as demonstrated by the Berlin Left Party and the SPD under Manuela Schwesig. Second, the Left Party in Berlin successfully used emotional, positive campaigning centered on candidate Elif Eralp to mobilize voters. Third, the personal credibility of candidates like Schwesig and Eralp was crucial, contrasting with the CDU's last-minute candidate swap. Fourth, the article contends that the CDU's problems extend beyond Chancellor Friedrich Merz, citing a lack of programmatic ideas in the state campaigns. Fifth, it notes that left-of-center coalitions (Red-Red-Green) have a majority in both states, though negotiations, especially in Berlin over expropriation, will be difficult. The article attributes these views to journalists Kersten Augustin and Anna Lehmann.
Read sourceLeft Party Wins Berlin State Election with 25.7 Percent, Official Results Show
According to a report by Die Welt, the Left Party (Linkspartei), led by top candidate Elif Eralp, has won the election for the Berlin House of Representatives (Abgeordnetenhaus). The state election authority (Landeswahlleitung) announced after counting all votes that the party secured approximately 25.7 percent of the vote, placing first with a significant lead. The article, published on September 21, 2026, presents this as the final official result. The report includes a video and graphics summarizing the election outcomes. The source attributes the information directly to the official election authority's announcement, indicating the results are final and certified. No other party's results or voter turnout figures are provided in the text excerpt.
Left Party Wins Berlin State Election with Clear Lead Over CDU, Official Results Show
According to a statement from the Berlin state election authority (Landeswahlleitung), the Left Party (Linke), led by top candidate Elif Eralp, has won the election for the Berlin House of Representatives (Abgeordnetenhaus). After the counting of all votes, the party secured approximately 25.7 percent of the vote, placing first with a significant lead over the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The result was reported by Die Welt on September 21, 2026.
Read sourceFranziska Giffey loses Berlin state parliament seat as AfD leads in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
In state elections held on September 20, 2026, in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, prominent SPD politician Franziska Giffey lost her direct mandate in the Berlin House of Representatives, failing to win her constituency in Rudow, Neukölln. Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) successfully defended his direct mandate in Spandau. The Left party's top candidate Elif Eralp won a direct mandate in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, projections showed the AfD ahead of the SPD, while the CDU faced uncertainty about re-entering the state parliament. AfD candidate Leif-Erik Holm predicted that Chancellor Friedrich Merz would not remain in office until the end of the year, citing the Union's poor performance. SPD top candidate Steffen Krach also missed a direct mandate in Berlin but may enter parliament via the district list. The results put pressure on Chancellor Merz and the federal government.
Read sourceSchwesig says Chancellor Merz should show more humility after poor CDU election results
Following state elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on September 20, 2026, SPD politician Manuela Schwesig criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), stating he should show more humility given the CDU's poor performance. She expressed irritation with his statements and demanded adherence to the coalition agreement on pensions. According to projections, the AfD leads the SPD in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, while the CDU risks failing to re-enter the state parliament. In Berlin, the Left party is clearly ahead, with the CDU second and AfD third; the SPD lost significant votes. AfD candidate Leif-Erik Holm predicted Merz would not remain chancellor until year-end, citing a 'disaster for the Union.' The BSW party saw success in Berlin despite possibly failing to enter parliament. Turkish media highlighted Left candidate Elif Eralp's success due to her Turkish roots.
Read sourceLeft Party leader Reichinnek calls Merz's election night appearance 'absolutely unrealistic'
On September 20, 2026, state elections were held in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Left Party parliamentary group leader Heidi Reichinnek sharply criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz's election night appearance, calling it a 'media air stunt' and accusing him of being 'completely out of touch with reality' and 'resistant to advice.' She argued that the Union's policies are driving voters toward right-wing extremists. According to initial projections, the Left Party led in Berlin, while the AfD narrowly edged out the SPD in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The CDU faced potential exclusion from the state parliament in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Prime Minister Gordon Schnieder described the results as a 'deep blow,' citing a growing societal divide. The article also notes that young voters (16-24) significantly shaped the Berlin result, with the Left Party performing particularly well among this demographic, especially on housing issues.
Read sourceBerlin CDU Lead Candidate Evers Loses Direct Mandate to AfD in State Election
Berlin has elected a new House of Representatives, with the Left Party projected to be significantly ahead of the CDU, according to initial results reported by Die Welt. The CDU's lead candidate and Finance Senator Stefan Evers lost his direct mandate in the Treptow-Köpenick 4 constituency to the AfD candidate Alexander Betram. Evers received 24.5% of first votes, while Betram achieved 31.5%. In the 2023 election, Evers had won the direct mandate with 32.7%. The AfD, gaining around six points overall, is conquering the east and southeast of the city, including areas like Pankow, Lichtenberg, and Hellersdorf that were previously held by the CDU. The Left Party dominates the center of the capital, with constituencies in the Mitte district shifting from Green in 2023 to Left. The AfD missed third place overall, and the BSW party must fear for its entry into parliament. The article provides an interactive map for readers to check results in their specific constituency.
Read sourceBerlin Election: Left Party Leads, AfD Wins East Berlin Constituencies in 2026 Vote
Berlin has elected a new House of Representatives in 2026, with the Left Party emerging as the strongest force according to the third projection, significantly ahead of the CDU. The AfD gained around six points and captured constituencies in the east and southeast of the city, including Pankow, Lichtenberg, and Hellersdorf, which were held by the CDU in 2023. The Left Party dominated the city center, taking districts in Mitte that were previously held by the Greens. The AfD narrowly missed third place overall, while the BSW (Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance) faced the risk of failing to enter parliament. The article provides an interactive map where readers can search for their constituency to see the winning direct candidate under first votes and party results under second votes. The report is based on initial results and projections, noting shifts from the previous 2023 election.
Read sourceBerlin Election: Left Party Dominates Center, AfD Wins in East Berlin Districts
Berlin has elected a new House of Representatives, with the Left Party performing strongly in the capital's center, according to projections reported by Die Welt. The Left is well ahead of the CDU, while the AfD gained around six points and won constituencies in the east and southeast of the city, including Pankow, Lichtenberg, and Hellersdorf. These eastern districts were largely held by the CDU in the previous 2023 election. The Greens lost ground in their former strongholds in the Mitte district. The BSW (Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance) is at risk of failing to enter parliament. The article provides an interactive map for readers to see results by constituency, including direct candidates and party list votes.
Read sourceLeft Party wins Berlin House of Representatives election with 25.5%, lead candidate Elif Eralp declares victory
The Left Party, led by Elif Eralp, won the Berlin House of Representatives election on September 20, 2026, with 25.5% of the vote, a historic high for the party in the capital. The lead over the CDU, which received around 20%, was substantial and larger than predicted. Eralp declared that 'love and justice have triumphed over hate' and that the party's success served to keep the far-right AfD in check. The Left Party's strategy of staging a two-person contest between Eralp and CDU candidate Evers paid off, surpassing the Greens (15%) and the SPD (12%). Despite the victory, Eralp will need coalition partners from the center-left bloc to become Governing Mayor. The party's strongholds are spread across the city, and it gained 10,000 new members in Berlin since the federal election. The result is seen as a symbolic response to the rising right wing.
Read sourceBerlin's Red Town Hall: Left Party wins election, SPD faces kingmaker dilemma with CDU or Left
The Left Party won Berlin's state election decisively with nearly 26%, while the SPD under lead candidate Steffen Krach suffered its worst-ever result at 12%. Krach conceded defeat at the SPD election party, calling it 'catastrophic.' The Left Party's Elif Eralp is the election winner. A left-wing alliance of Left, Greens, and SPD would comfortably reach 76 seats, while a Kenya coalition with the CDU would have only a one-seat majority. However, the SPD's red line on socialization of private housing companies clashes with the Left Party's non-negotiable demand. The Left Party will decide at a party conference next Friday whether to enter exploratory talks. The SPD's state executive board meeting on Monday may challenge Krach's position. Analysts suggest a left-wing alliance has become very likely, especially with the possible entry of BSW, though concerns remain about budget stability and coalition durability.
CDU's Philipp Amthor blames internal party divisions for poor election result in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
On September 20, 2026, voters in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern went to the polls for state elections. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, initial projections showed the AfD narrowly leading the SPD, while the CDU faced the prospect of failing to re-enter the state parliament. CDU politician Philipp Amthor attributed his party's poor performance to internal issues, specifically criticizing CDU politicians from the state who had advocated cooperation with the AfD. Amthor stated on ZDF that such flirtation 'contributed to even greater uncertainty among our voters.' In Berlin, the Left Party led the House of Representatives election according to projections, with the CDU coming in second. SPD lead candidate Steffen Krach expressed doubt about the Left Party's proposed expropriation of large housing companies. AfD leader Alice Weidel suggested the CDU's poor result in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern could impact government formation in Saxony-Anhalt, urging the CDU to reconsider its 'firewall policy' against the AfD in eastern Germany.
Manuela Schwesig says AfD will not form government after state elections in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Following state elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (MV) on September 20, 2026, SPD Minister-President Manuela Schwesig reaffirmed her claim to office, stating that the AfD will not be able to form a government in MV. According to initial projections, the AfD narrowly leads the SPD in MV, while the CDU risks failing to re-enter the state parliament. In Berlin, the Left Party leads the House of Representatives election, with the CDU in second place. Schwesig emphasized that a majority voted for democratic parties and expressed readiness to continue forming a stable democratic government. AfD chairman Tino Chrupalla welcomed his party's success. CDU lead candidate Daniel Peters blamed the polarized campaign focused on the SPD-AfD duel for his party's poor performance, while CDU politician Philipp Amthor criticized CDU colleagues who flirted with cooperation with the AfD. Schwesig also reiterated her demand to maintain the pension at 63. The results put pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the federal government.
Read sourceFirst Projection Shows Die Linke Ahead of CDU in Berlin State Election
On September 20, 2026, citizens of Berlin voted to elect a new House of Representatives. According to the first projection released by German news outlet Die Welt, the Left party (Die Linke) is surprisingly far ahead of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The projection also indicates that the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) is at risk of failing to reach the threshold required to enter parliament. The results are based on initial projections and may change as more votes are counted. The election outcome could reshape the political landscape in the German capital.
Read sourceLeft Party leads CDU in first Berlin election forecast; BSW risks missing parliament
On September 20, 2026, citizens of Berlin elected a new House of Representatives. According to the first forecast reported by Die Welt, the Left Party is surprisingly well ahead of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) must fear failing to enter parliament, based on the initial projections. The forecast is attributed to the Axel Springer Deutschland GmbH publication and is presented as an early projection, not a final result. The outcome marks a notable shift in Berlin's political landscape, with the Left Party outperforming expectations against the CDU.
Berlin Election: Left Party Leads CDU in Third Projection, AfD Misses Third Place
According to the third projection for the election of Berlin's House of Representatives, the Left Party (Die Linke) is significantly ahead of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has missed out on third place. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) is at risk of failing to enter parliament. The projection was reported by Die Welt on September 20, 2026, based on the vote count at that stage. The exact vote percentages and final seat allocations are not provided in this summary, but the projection indicates a clear lead for the Left Party over the CDU, with the AfD falling short of a top-three finish and the BSW hovering near the electoral threshold.
Read sourceLeft Party Leads CDU in Berlin Election Projection; AfD Misses Third Place
According to a projection reported by Die Welt on September 20, 2026, citizens in Berlin have elected a new House of Representatives. The current projection shows the Left party clearly ahead of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The Alternative for Germany (AfD) failed to secure third place. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) faces uncertainty about entering the parliament. The report is attributed to Axel Springer Deutschland GmbH and includes a video element. The projection indicates a significant shift in Berlin's political landscape, with the Left party gaining a strong lead over the CDU, while the AfD's performance fell short of expectations for third place, and the BSW's entry into the House of Representatives remains in doubt.
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