Berlin SPD leader slams party's housing cuts and rules out AfD coalition
Steffen Krach, the SPD’s lead candidate in Berlin, has strongly criticised housing policies proposed by his own party’s federal leader. He also ruled out any coalition with the far-right AfD and condemned the city’s current mayor in sharp terms.
The dispute centres on housing benefits, rent controls, and political alliances ahead of Berlin’s upcoming elections. Krach rejected a plan by SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil to reduce housing benefits. He warned that such cuts would harm low-income residents and could indirectly help the AfD. Calling the proposal 'absolutely wrong,' he urged his party to abandon the idea.
He also dismissed Klingbeil’s suggestion to build 20,000 apartments annually alongside a temporary rent cap. Krach argued that the focus should remain on protecting vulnerable tenants rather than introducing new restrictions.
On coalition talks, Krach was firm. He declared that the SPD would not form a government with the AfD in Berlin, citing 'clear red lines' against extremism. He specifically ruled out working with any politicians linked to antisemitism, stating they would have no place in the city’s Senate.
His criticism extended to the current leadership. Krach described incumbent mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) as 'by far the worst governing mayor since reunification,' blaming him for Berlin’s ongoing housing and administrative crises. Krach’s stance sets him apart from federal SPD policy while reinforcing his local campaign priorities. His rejection of AfD cooperation and defence of housing benefits aim to appeal to left-leaning voters. The dispute highlights tensions within the SPD over social policy and coalition strategy before Berlin’s election.
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