Germany debates alleged antisemitism in the Left Party

The socialist Left Party won the Berlin election on September 20 . This means there's a good chance that the party's top candidate, Elif Eralp, could become Berlin 's next mayor — making her the first member of the Left Party to hold that office. Preliminary talks with the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the environmentalist Green Party are scheduled to take place on October 1. If the talks are successful, it would represent a major step toward forming a coalition government. Securing a clear commitment from the Left Party against antisemitism within its own ranks is seen as a prerequisite for successful cooperation. Yet doubts still persist about whether the party and its representatives can adequately protect Jewish life in the city.