# Berlin coalition talks shake German politics

> A possible red-green-red alliance in Berlin divides the CDU and SPD, while the US freezes Russia sanctions.
- Title: Berlin coalition talks shake German politics · POLITICO
- Summary: A possible red-green-red alliance in Berlin divides the CDU and SPD, while the US freezes Russia sanctions. A potential red-green-red coalition in Berlin…
- Keywords: berlin, coalition talks, red-green-red alliance, cdu, spd, greens, friedrich merz, felix banaszak, lars klingbeil, junge union, johannes volkmann, russia sanctions
- Source: POLITICO — https://politico.eu/podcast/berlin-playbook-podcast/wie-die-hauptstadt-fur-die-bundesregierung-zur-belastungsprobe-wird
- Published: 2026-10-19T03:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: berlin, coalition talks, red-green-red alliance, cdu, spd, greens, friedrich merz, felix banaszak, lars klingbeil, junge union, johannes volkmann, russia sanctions
## Berlin coalition divides German parties
A possible red-green-red alliance in Berlin is causing waves in federal politics. Greens chief Felix Banaszak warns against radical forces while keeping the CDU door tactically open.
## Merz takes hard line on left talks
Friedrich Merz is taking a hard and unrelenting tone toward the Greens and SPD over talks with radical left forces. Resistance is growing within the SPD itself.
## Junge Union demands security cutoff
The Junge Union is calling for drastic consequences. CDU member Johannes Volkmann says parts of Berlin's left are a security risk and demands political ostracism of the party.
## Key takeaway

A potential red-green-red coalition in Berlin splits German parties over talks with the far left, as the US halts Russia sanctions.