Elif Eralp: From Turkish Exile Roots to Leading Berlin’s Leftist Surge

Thirty-five years after rallying school friends to paint environmental posters in her family garage during the early 1990s, Elif Eralp is set to assume a pivotal role in German politics. Following her party’s first-place finish in Sunday’s Berlin state election, the 35-year-old activist is now on track to become the city’s next governing mayor.

Born in Munich to Turkish socialists and trade unionists who fled the 1980 military coup in Turkiye, Eralp’s potential ascension would represent several historic milestones. She would become the first candidate from The Left party (Die Linke) to lead Berlin since reunification in 1990, as well as the city’s first mayor of Turkish descent and its first woman of color to hold the office.

Her campaign, which emphasized affordable housing, rent controls, and greater political inclusion for immigrants and refugees, stood in sharp contrast to the platform of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. While the AfD recently triumphed in Saxony-Anhalt, it settled for third place in Berlin, where Eralp’s party secured the most votes. However, she will still need to form a coalition with allies to secure control of the mayor’s office.

Political analysts suggest Eralp’s success reflects a broader public appetite for systemic change. Martin Fuchs, a German political and digital consultant, told Al Jazeera that voters demonstrated a “strong desire for disruption and radical political change.” He noted that her victory alongside the AfD’s strong showing indicates that “in 2026, Germany is not only witnessing a rise in far-right parties, but [that] there continues to be a colourful, diverse, open and liberal Germany,” he added.

A ‘Solidarity City’ Vision

Eralp has been a member of The Left since 2017 and has served in the Berlin House of Representatives since 2021, rising to deputy chair of the party’s parliamentary group in 2024. With a legal background spanning over a decade as an adviser for The Left, she previously interned with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and co-founded a migrant rights network within her party.

Her policy agenda focuses on transforming Berlin into a “solidarity city.” This designation would aim to end what she describes as “stigmatising police checks” on migrants, enhance immigrant participation in civil society, and make the capital more welcoming to refugees. On housing, she is campaigning for a nationwide rent cap and increased municipal ownership of housing stock.

“I stand for a social policy – a policy that brings everyone along. And the priority now is making Berlin affordable,” Eralp said in her victory speech.

Embracing the ‘Mamdani’ Model

Some commentators have dubbed Eralp “Germany’s Mamdani,” drawing parallels to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. She has openly cited his democratic socialist approach as a blueprint for her own campaign, with party members traveling to New York to consult with his advisers.

Eralp stated that Mamdani’s victory offered a model for left-wing parties globally, particularly in the fight against social injustice and for urban affordability. Her digital strategy mirrored this approach; according to analytics from viral.app, she garnered 6.3 million views across platforms, making her the most visible candidate online.

Fuchs credited this professional “vibe” content, modeled after Mamdani’s campaign, for helping Eralp connect with the daily realities of Berliners.

Challenges and Symbolism

Despite the electoral win, Eralp faces significant hurdles. She must negotiate coalition partners and secure a majority in Berlin’s House of Representatives. Furthermore, fulfilling her housing reforms may involve lengthy legal battles, potentially pitting the state government against the federal authorities. Fuchs also noted that The Left party must continue to distance itself from accusations of anti-Semitism.

Edward Goodger, a lecturer at the University of Manchester, observed that Die Linke has now surpassed other leftist factions, such as the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance. He argued that an Eralp-led government could serve as a rallying point for radical-left politics in Germany.

For many, Eralp’s candidacy holds deep symbolic weight. Gero Neugebauer, a political science professor at The Free University of Berlin, highlighted that her mixed heritage and dual citizenship reflect the city’s diverse history since the 1960s. “In this respect, [her taking] office would confirm the slogan: ‘Look, this is Berlin,’” Neugebauer said.

Fuchs added that Eralp’s election could encourage greater political participation among migrant communities, helping to strengthen social cohesion and counter division. As Goodger summarized, the result illustrates a wider trend in German politics where dissatisfaction with mainstream parties is driving voters toward both radical-left and radical-right challengers.