Far-left party wins Berlin election, promises housing nationalisation

A far‑left coalition led by Die Linke secured a decisive victory in Berlin’s 2026 state election, capturing 31.4 % of the vote and winning 78 of the 158 seats in the Abgeordnetenhaus. The result ends the eight‑year tenure of the centre‑right CDU‑SPD alliance that had governed the capital since 2018, and positions the left‑wing bloc to form a governing coalition with the Greens and the Social Democratic Party. Party leader Sarah Müller, who will become Berlin’s next mayor, pledged to “nationalise the city’s housing stock” as the cornerstone of her administration’s agenda.

The election outcome reflects growing public concern over Berlin’s escalating rent prices, which have risen by more than 25 % over the past three years, and a shortage of affordable units. Müller’s platform calls for the transfer of privately owned rental properties exceeding 15 % of the market into a publicly owned housing authority, the introduction of rent caps tied to inflation, and substantial investment in new social housing construction. The coalition partners have signaled willingness to adopt the nationalisation plan, though they emphasize the need for “gradual implementation” to avoid market disruption and to respect existing tenancy contracts.

Berlin’s state parliament is slated to convene next week to elect Müller as mayor and to negotiate the coalition agreement. Observers note that the new government’s housing policy could set a precedent for other German cities facing similar affordability crises, while also prompting scrutiny from property owners and business groups who warn of potential legal challenges. The administration has indicated that it will seek federal support and European Union funding to finance the proposed housing reforms.