# Steffen Krach Berlin election campaign and investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/steffen-krach-berlin-election-campaign-and-investigation
> Updated: 2026-09-10T17:45:30.000Z. Sources: 36. Developments: 2.

Steffen Krach, the SPD’s lead candidate for the Berlin state election, initially faced a difficult campaign characterized by low polling numbers. With the party positioned in fifth place at approximately 15 percent support, Krach criticized federal social policies, specifically regarding health reforms and housing benefits, in an effort to strengthen the party’s profile.

During the campaign, the situation escalated when the Hannover Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into Krach for suspected bribery, corruption, and anti-competitive agreements. Authorities conducted searches at Krach’s residence in Berlin-Schöneberg, his offices in Hannover, and the SPD state party headquarters in Berlin-Wedding. Investigators also seized Krach’s mobile phone.

The allegations pertain to his previous tenure as President of the Hannover Region and involve suspicions of accepting advantages in two separate cases, potential anti-competitive agreements during tenders, and violations of business secrets and confidentiality obligations. One specific allegation concerns a €9,900 donation to the Berlin SPD state association that was allegedly requested in connection with an official proceeding, while another involves the alleged improper disclosure of a bidder's offer during a real estate tender process.

Krach has denied the allegations, stating, “I have never accepted private money. And I have also never accepted a donation as the SPD chairman in Berlin.” Regarding the specific donation, Krach claimed he only learned of the payment in early 2026 and immediately arranged for it to be returned. He has expressed confidence that the investigation will clear his name and has since taken leave from his position in Hannover. The legal proceedings occur shortly before the Berlin House of Representatives election scheduled for September 20.

## Claims

- The Hannover Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating Steffen Krach. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- Authorities conducted searches at Krach's Hannover offices, his Schöneberg apartment, and the SPD state headquarters in Berlin-Wedding. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- The investigation includes suspected anti-competitive agreements in tenders combined with the violation of business secrets and confidentiality obligations. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- Steffen Krach emphatically rejects all allegations against him. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The investigations are related to Krach's former tenure as Regional President of Hannover. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- Krach stated he has never accepted private money or party donations as an SPD chairman. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- The investigations occurred during the Berlin election campaign ahead of the September 20 election of the Abgeordnetenhaus. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Steffen Krach faces investigation amid Berlin election campaign

Berlin SPD candidate Steffen Krach is under investigation for suspected bribery and anti-competitive agreements related to his former role in Hannover. Krach denies all allegations.

33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/steffen-krach-under-investigation-for-suspected-bribery-and-corruption

### 2026-08-23: Steffen Krach leads SPD campaign amid low polling in Berlin

SPD candidate Steffen Krach faces a difficult campaign for the Berlin state election, with his party currently polling in fifth place as he seeks to reclaim the Red City Hall.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/steffen-krach-leads-spd-campaign-amid-low-polling-in-berlin

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Cite as: Steffen Krach Berlin election campaign and investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/steffen-krach-berlin-election-campaign-and-investigation