Berlin Election: What Happens Next as Government Talks Begin

With Die Linke confirmed as the largest party in the Berlin Abgeordnetenhaus, the search for a governing majority is under way. Two coalitions are seen as arithmetically possible: a left-leaning alliance of Die Linke, the Greens and the SPD under Linke lead candidate Elif Eralp, or an alternative bloc of CDU, Greens and SPD.

Die Linke is expected to hold internal discussions as early as this Friday on how to launch exploratory talks. The final official election result will likely not be confirmed by then — at the 2023 repeat election, the state returning committee announced its result roughly two weeks after polling day.

Under Article 54 of Berlin's state constitution, the newly elected Abgeordnetenhaus — which sits for five years — must convene no later than six weeks after the election, with the oldest parliamentarian presiding. The constituent session is planned for 29 October, at which MPs will elect a president and two vice-presidents. Parliamentary groups hold the right to nominate candidates in order of their seat share.

There is no fixed constitutional deadline for electing a new Governing Mayor. A candidate requires an absolute majority of MPs. If no majority is achieved in the first round, a second round follows. Should that also prove inconclusive, a further vote is held in which the candidate with the most votes wins.