Germany 'no longer safe' for Jews, Merz says following defeat by Left Party in Berlin

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that Jewish life in Germany is no longer safe, following his CDU party's defeat by the far-left Left Party in Berlin's state election. Merz called this the most serious burden of recent years. The Left Party has faced accusations of antisemitism, including a campaign event featuring a rapper who chanted anti-Israel slogans. Party leader Elif Eralp denied the accusations, pledging safety for all. An annual report recorded 8,725 antisemitic incidents in Germany, an all-time high.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that Jewish life in Germany is no longer safe, framing the statement as a direct consequence of his CDU party's defeat by the far-left Left Party in Berlin's state election on Sunday. Speaking at a press conference, Merz called the situation 'the most serious burden of recent years.' The Left Party has faced multiple accusations of antisemitism, including a campaign event in August featuring a rapper who chanted 'Death to the IDF' and 'Yalla yalla Intifada.' Party leader Elif Eralp denied the accusations, stating that celebrating violence is unacceptable and pledging to ensure safety for Jewish people, Muslims, queer people, and all Berliners. An annual report by Germany's antisemitism monitoring network RIAS recorded 8,725 antisemitic incidents in 2025, an all-time high since monitoring began. The article frames Merz's statement as a political reaction to electoral defeat, linking the Left Party's rise to increased danger for Jews, while also noting the party's denial of antisemitism.