Berlin Parties - More precise member growth with Greens, Left and AfD
Green, Left and AfD in Berlin are pleased with a notable membership increase. The Greens counted 13,877 members on June 30th, according to a survey by the German Press Agency. That was 1,012 more than a year ago (12,865). The trend was clear for the Left, where the trend had been rather stagnant for years: 7,517 members at mid-year meant 765 more than at the same time in 2023 (6,752). The AfD recorded the largest increase with 37.6%, raising their membership from 1,090 to 1,500 within a year.
The SPD as the second largest party in Berlin counted 17,935 supporters with party membership on June 30th, down from 18,348 a year ago - a decrease of 413 members. The CDU cannot yet provide June data due to a hacking attack on the federal party 1.5 months ago. As of May 30th, there were 11,974 members, up from 11,902 a year prior - a slight increase of 72 persons. The Berlin FDP reported 3,894 members on June 30th, 188 fewer than mid-year 2023 (4,082).
Green and Left attributed their growth, in part, to the fight against Right-wing extremism. "During the demos for democracy and an open society at the beginning of the year, many people joined us," explained the two Green state chairs Nina Stahr and Philmon Ghirmai. "With the new members comes the clear mandate to continue fighting right-wing extremism on all levels and to stand up for a diverse society."
A spokesperson for the Left stated: "Reasons for the significant increase in membership for the Greens are likely the clarification regarding Sahra Wagenknecht and the rising danger of right-wing politics in the country. Both factors motivate many, especially young people, to join our party." The recently formed Berlin state branch of Wagenknecht's own party, Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), had 81 members at its start.
- The increase in membership for 'Alliance 90/The Greens' and the 'Left' in Berlin can be partially attributed to their strong stance against 'Right-wing extremism'.
- According to the German Press Agency's statistics, 'Alliance 90/The Greens' experienced a significant rise in membership, with 1,012 new members in a year, surpassing the 'SDP' in terms of growth.
- The 'AfD', on the other hand, recorded the largest increase with 37.6%, reaching 1,500 members, as reported by the German Press Agency.
- The 'SDP' and 'FDP' also had members in Berlin, with the 'SDP' having 17,935 supporters and the 'FDP' having 3,894 members, as stated in the report from the German Press Agency.
