Petra Pau Calls for Clear Stance Against Antisemitism at Berlin Left Party Congress

At the upcoming congress of the Berlin branch of the Left Party, former Bundestag Vice President Petra Pau has urged her colleagues to adopt an unequivocal position against antisemitism and all forms of group-based discrimination. Her remarks precede a gathering where party members will debate their approach to the Gaza conflict, and how to address criticism of Israeli policies within the organization.

The party congress, attended by 175 delegates, will also include discussions on various proposals, some advocating for stronger support for Palestinian causes. In response, the party's co-chairs, Kerstin Wolter and Maximilian Schirmer, have put forward a compromise proposal. This draft aims to acknowledge the suffering of both Palestinian civilians and Israeli victims impacted by the Hamas attack in 2023, reflecting a balanced approach to the ongoing conflict.

A key focus of the congress will be the nomination of Elif Eralp as the party's lead candidate for the upcoming election to the Berlin House of Representatives, scheduled for September 2026. The Left Party aims to become the dominant political force in Berlin, with aspirations of securing the position of Governing Mayor for the first time. The party leadership emphasizes the goal of presenting Berlin as a counter-model to what they describe as the current government's socially regressive policies.

Inspired by recent international successes, such as the election win of progressive Democrat Zohran Mamdani in New York, the Berlin Left Party intends to center its campaign on issues like affordable housing and lowering the cost of living. Party leaders highlight concerns that Berlin is increasingly seen as a 'playground for investors,' leading many residents to feel alienated in their own city due to rising rents and speculative property practices. The party's messaging stresses the importance of protecting residents from exploitative practices and preserving the character of Berlin as a city for all.

In addition to social and economic policies, the Left Party leadership emphasizes its commitment to defending fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, assembly, and academic freedom. The party argues these liberties must be upheld, particularly at a time when public discourse faces growing pressures and restrictions.

Recent criticism from other political figures has placed the Left Party's stance under scrutiny. Jens Spahn, a senior member of the CDU parliamentary group, recently accused the Berlin Left of maintaining an ambiguous relationship with Islamist organizations and tolerating antisemitic attitudes within its youth wing. In response, Petra Pau, who has a long record of advocating against antisemitism, refuted the charges and cautioned against exploiting the issue for political advantage. Pau maintained that the fight against antisemitism, as well as hostility towards Muslims and Sinti and Roma communities, requires a determined, fact-based, and cross-party approach. She emphasized that all communities should be able to live free from threats and discrimination in Germany.

The Berlin Left Party's congress is expected to address internal debates on Middle East policy, antisemitism, and broader questions of social justice, as the party seeks to position itself as a leading voice for inclusive and equitable policies in Berlin's political landscape.