Berlin Linke party delays decision on controversial MP Vanessa Emde

The Berlin branch of Die Linke has postponed a decision regarding the potential expulsion of Member of Parliament Vanessa Emde. Emde, who won a direct mandate in Neukölln, was invited to a digital meeting of the parliamentary group to discuss her future within the faction, but she failed to attend, citing illness.

The conflict stems from Emde’s repeated criticisms of Israel and her statements regarding the Middle East conflict. In a recent Instagram video, she asserted that states do not have a right to exist, only people do, and stated, “I stand by my statements, and I am not taking a single one of these statements back.”

The dispute is complicating coalition negotiations in Berlin between the Linke, Greens, and SPD. While the parliamentary group leadership has indicated they see no longer a basis for cooperation with Emde, citing a lack of cooperation and disagreement over party agreements, the faction has rescheduled the meeting for next Tuesday to continue deliberations.