Elif Eralp's victory in Berlin's state election on September 20, 2026, positions her as a candidate to become the next governing mayor of Berlin, representing The Left party (Die Linke). Born in Munich to Turkish parents who fled the 1980 military coup in Turkey, Eralp's win could make her the first candidate from The Left party to lead Berlin since German reunification in 1990, as well as the city's first mayor of Turkish descent and its first woman of color in the role.
Eralp's campaign focused on issues such as affordable housing, rent controls, and increased political inclusion for immigrants and refugees. In contrast, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which had recently won in Saxony-Anhalt, placed third in the Berlin election. Experts suggest that Eralp's appeal may have grown as voters seek alternatives to traditional political candidates.
Political consultant Martin Fuchs noted a strong desire for disruption and radical change among voters. He stated that Eralp's victory indicates that Germany remains a diverse and liberal society despite the rise of far-right parties. Eralp, a member of The Left party since 2017, has a background in law and has served in the Berlin House of Representatives since 2021.
Her advocacy for migrant rights includes co-founding a migrant rights network within The Left party and pushing for Berlin to become a “solidarity city.” In her victory speech, she emphasized the need for social policies that prioritize making Berlin affordable for all residents.
Edward Goodger, a lecturer in politics, remarked that an Eralp-led government could serve as a rallying point for radical-left politics in Germany. Eralp's campaign drew inspiration from New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's democratic socialist message, and her online presence was significant, reportedly garnering 6.3 million views across social media platforms.
Experts believe that Eralp's election could encourage greater political participation among migrant communities in Germany. However, challenges remain, including the need to secure coalition partners to form a governing majority in Berlin's House of Representatives and potential conflicts over her housing reforms. Additionally, The Left party has faced accusations of anti-Semitism, which Eralp would need to address to strengthen her party's position.
Overall, Eralp's win reflects a broader trend in German politics, where voters are increasingly looking beyond established mainstream parties in search of alternatives.