Die Linke leads Berlin election polling as housing and voter shifts shape campaign

Polling ahead of the Berlin state election places Die Linke in the lead at 22 percent, supported by strong enthusiasm among younger voters focused on housing affordability and rent controls. Led by candidate Elif Eralp, the party holds a four-point advantage over the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Alternative for Germany (AfD), both at 18 percent, while the Social Democratic Party (SPD) trails at 12 percent.

The campaign highlights contrasting shifts among Berlin's electorate. While turnout remains low among voters with a migrant background in districts like Neukölln, reporting indicates some young Turkish-German voters are leaning toward the AfD due to rising concerns over public safety, crime, and economic stability. Meanwhile, Eralp's high-profile campaign continues to center housing costs as the primary issue driving youth turnout.

Sources: Correctiv, Die Zeit, DW, FAZ, Tagesschau