Berlin Minister Warns Left Party Government Poses Economic Risk

German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) warned that a government led by the Left Party in Berlin poses a danger to Germany's economy and investment climate. She called the party's policies a threat to property protection and freedom nationwide. Reiche, who grew up in East Germany, cited personal experience with expropriation and socialism leading to impoverishment. She urged the SPD and Greens not to support a Left-led coalition, which would enable the party's candidate Elif Eralp to become governing mayor. The Left Party won the September 20 Berlin state election and seeks a red-green-red coalition. Its campaign focused on the housing crisis, proposing to socialize large housing corporations and implement a rent cap for state-owned companies.