MERA25 Berlin has officially launched its campaign for the September 2026 Berlin elections, adopting a bold political programme and selecting its candidates at a general assembly held on April 18.

Under the banner “Radical, Solidary & Internationalist”, the party’s programme lays out an ambitious vision for the German capital – one rooted in democracy, social justice and international solidarity. In a city where global crises intersect with local struggles, MERA25 positions itself firmly against rising rents, gentrification, climate destruction, militarism, racism and the growth of far-right violence.

At the heart of the programme is a simple principle: one person, one vote. MERA25 Berlin argues that public goods must be democratised and wealth distributed fairly, with the aim of building a city that works for its residents – not against them.

Lead candidate Ceren Witkiewicz set the tone for the campaign with a call for systemic change: “Standing up for people and fighting for their rights requires radical measures – more than just small improvements that will deteriorate again in the coming years due to economic interests. We must tackle problems at the root.”

Among the key proposals are higher wages, a four-day working week, and structural reforms to address Berlin’s housing crisis. As Johannes Fehr said: “The other parties don’t have real solutions, only small band-aids for gaping wounds. If we truly want to solve high rents, the only solution is the expropriation of large housing corporations.”

The assembly also confirmed candidates for the state list in the House of Representatives, district council elections in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and Mitte, as well as direct constituency candidates – bringing together a diverse team of activists, organisers and community representatives.

With its candidates selected and programme adopted, MERA25 Berlin enters the election race with a clear message: incremental politics is no longer enough. At a time of deepening inequality, precarious work and a worsening housing crisis, the movement is calling for a fundamental transformation of Berlin’s political and economic model.

As the campaign begins, MERA25 aims to channel growing frustration into collective action – offering a vision of a fairer, more democratic and sustainable Berlin.

Candidates selected

At the general assembly, candidates were chosen for the following lists and mandates:

State list for the House of Representatives election

(1) Ceren Witkiewicz
(2) Johannes Fehr
(3) Sophie Asmus
(4) Mareike “Maki” Strelitz
(5) Jonathan Noormann
(6) Sayid Bayoumi Aly
(7) Alexandra Keiner
(8) Joris Seibert
(9) Madlen Ernst
(10) Heike Suermann

List for the district council election in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

(1) Francesca Haas
(2) Johannes Fehr
(3) Mareike “Maki” Strelitz
(4) Jaroslav Toussaint
(5) Alexandra Keiner
(6) Juan José Sánchez González

List for the district council election in Mitte

(1) Ceren Witkiewicz
(2) Sophie Asmus
(3) Jonathan Noormann
(4) Madlen Ernst
(5) Drakon Mavromatis
(6) Joris Seibert

Direct candidates in constituencies

Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg 1: Jaroslav Toussaint
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg 2: Johannes Fehr
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg 3: Mareike “Maki” Strelitz
Mitte 3: Sophie Asmus
Mitte 6: Ceren Witkiewicz

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