Elif Eralp, who finished first in the Berlin election: 'We want to lower rents'

Elif Eralp, the prime ministerial candidate for The Left Party (Die Linke), which finished first in the state parliament elections held in Berlin, the capital of Germany, on September 20, evaluated the election results and the demands that came to the fore during the campaign period.

Eralp stated that they received a stronger result than she expected and said that she was happy with the support, especially from voters of immigrant background. Stating that Berliners complained most about rent prices and the cost of living throughout the campaign, Eralp emphasized that people who work and pay taxes in the city are struggling to make ends meet due to rising costs.

People live in Berlin, work, pay their taxes, but they can no longer lead a good life. Because everything is too expensive.

Arguing that rent prices should be lowered, Eralp said, "We want to lower rents and we want everyone to lead a good, livable life here."

EMPHASIS ON THE SUPPORT OF IMMIGRANT VOTERS

Expressing that her first emotion after the election results was "great joy," Eralp said, "I did not expect it to be this good. I am very, very happy. Berliners showed that they trust me."

Explaining that the racist attacks in Germany in the 1990s were influential in shaping her political perspective, Eralp said that these events during her childhood and youth directed her toward the idea of justice and the fight against racism. Eralp stated that her family also gave her financial and moral support during the election process.

Rejecting criticisms of anti-Semitism directed at her party, Eralp stated that she wants to pursue a policy that encompasses all segments of society. Arguing that Palestinians and Muslims are not sufficiently represented in Germany, Eralp expressed that politics should see different segments of society.

Eralp said that she would fight against discrimination and racism, and that the labor of people of immigrant background in the construction of Berlin should be made visible. Emphasizing that headscarf bans in public institutions should also be lifted, Eralp noted that their goal is to make Berlin a more livable city.