The Die Linke surge dealt a blow to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s centre‑right CDU, which finished second with about 20 % of the vote, according to the same exit‑poll data.
Erapl, 45, campaigned on a pro‑poor platform that promises sweeping measures to tackle Berlin’s housing crisis, including a controversial pledge to expropriate flats owned by large corporate landlords in order to curb soaring rents.
The daughter of Turkish migrants who fled the 1980 military coup, Eralp has presented herself as the best defence against the rise of the far‑right Alternative for Germany (AfD), saying a mayor with a migration background would send a powerful signal of inclusion.
To form a governing coalition, Eralp will need the support of the centre‑left SPD and the Greens in a so‑called “red‑red‑green” alliance; however, SPD leader Steffen Krach has already signalled opposition to Die Linke’s expropriation plan, and the parties differ on security policy, with Die Linke opposing military aid to Ukraine and calling for Germany to leave NATO.
Die Linke has also faced criticism over anti‑Israeli remarks from some local branches, notably a scandal‑riddled campaign event in Neukölln where a performer called for an “intifada” and shouted “Death to the IDF”. Eralp distanced herself from the incident, emphasizing her commitment to supporting Jewish life in Berlin.
The victory marks the first time Die Linke has led a Berlin election, and Eralp has drawn comparisons to New York’s left‑wing mayor Zohran Mamdani. She now has days to convince potential partners that her party can be governed responsibly and to navigate the internal and external challenges that accompany the historic win.