Berlin Left Party lead candidate Elif Eralp was member of left-extremist group Rote Hilfe until 2025: report

Elif Eralp, Linke election winner in Berlin. Source: Maryam Majd/Getty Images

Elif Eralp, the Berlin mayoral candidate for the Left Party (Die Linke), was a member of the Red Aid (Rote Hilfe) until 2025, according to a report by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

The German federal government describes the Red Aid as "the largest and one of the most important groups in German left-wing extremism." Its primary activity is supporting left-wing extremist offenders.

Membership Details

In the 2022 and 2023 editions of the Berlin House of Representatives handbook, the Red Aid was listed among Eralp's memberships. Other organizations listed included:

• Verdi (trade union)
• Amnesty International
• VVN-BdA (Association of Persecutees of the Nazi Regime – Federation of Antifascists)

In the October 2025 edition of the handbook, the Red Aid entry is absent, while the other memberships remain listed.

Red Aid's Activities

According to the federal government, the Red Aid's core mission is providing legal and financial assistance to left-wing extremist offenders, thereby reducing the deterrent effect of criminal sanctions. The organization itself states that it covers legal fees and fines upon application. Under its rules, it may reduce or deny support if an applicant cooperates with authorities or apologizes in court for the alleged offense.

Eralp's Statement

The Left Party's Berlin office stated that Eralp joined the Red Aid during her law studies to help people engaged in left-wing and social causes access legal assistance. She was described as a "passive member for years" and disclosed her membership in her submissions to the House of Representatives.

According to the party, Eralp left the organization last year "due to partly differing political views." Her resignation occurred before her nomination as the lead candidate for the Berlin state election.

Party Program References

The Berlin Left Party's election platform cites the Red Aid as an example of organizations facing pressure. The program states:

"Antifascist associations such as the VVN-BdA (of which Eralp remains a member) or the Red Aid are facing tax attacks or having their accounts closed. We stand firmly by their side and defend their non-profit status."

Coalition Talks Begin

Following the Left Party's election victory in Berlin, the party has invited the Greens and SPD to discussions about a potential coalition. The Greens and SPD have indicated these should be considered "preliminary talks" rather than formal coalition negotiations.

The issue of antisemitism is expected to be a central topic. Parts of the Berlin Left Party have faced ongoing criticism over their positions on Israel, Palestine, and antisemitism. Recent controversy arose from a Left Party election party in Neukölln attended by the head of an Arab-descended, partially criminal clan and a controversial pro-Palestinian activist reportedly linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which is designated as a terrorist organization by the EU.

Left Party MP Ferat Koçak from Neukölln has also faced pressure over friendly chat messages exchanged with the clan leader's son. The party leadership has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to Israel's right to exist and the protection of Jewish life.