One in two Muslims and 43% of young people: the formula that boosted the left in Berlin

The left-wing party 'Die Linke' is leading negotiations to form a coalition in Berlin after the local elections. An analysis of voting patterns reveals that 51% of Muslim voters and 43% of 16–24 year olds supported the party. The mayor has not yet been elected, and the decision depends on the coalition composition.

The left-wing party 'Die Linke' is expected to lead coalition negotiations in Berlin after gaining broad support among Muslim and young voters. According to an exit poll by Forschungsgruppe Wahlen, 51% of Muslim voters in Berlin supported Die Linke, and 43% of 16 to 24 year olds voted for the party. The party is set to decide today whether to open formal exploratory talks. Preliminary discussions with the Greens have already taken place, in which it was agreed that initial talks will focus on security, protection of Jewish life and the LGBTQ+ community, and the fight against antisemitism and racism. A major point of contention concerns the plan of Die Linke's mayoral candidate, Elif Aral, to transfer hundreds of thousands of apartments owned by large real estate companies to public ownership, a move estimated to cost around 20 billion euros and drawing reservations from potential coalition partners. The mayor is elected by members of the Berlin House of Representatives, and the decision depends on the coalition composition. The new parliament is expected to convene on October 29.