The Left to vote on starting talks on forming Berlin's next government

Delegates from the Berlin chapter of Germany's The Left party are meeting on Saturday to decide whether to launch formal coalition talks with the Greens and the Social Democrats (SPD), after the far-left party came out on top in the city state's regional elections last month.

The Left, which took 25.7% of the vote on September 20, is expected to back the start of negotiations on forming Berlin's next government, a move already approved by the other two parties earlier this month.

The far-left party, which could appoint a Berlin mayor for the first time if the talks are successful, has faced major backlash by centre and right-wing politicians over plans to expropriate thousands of flats from commercial housing companies to bring down soaring rents.

The Left chapter in Berlin has also been embroiled in a controversy stemming from allegations of anti-Semitism in relation to comments made about Israel, a charge which the party denies.

Israel's actions in Gaza have triggered fierce debate in Germany, where the country's sense of historic responsibility towards Israel has blurred the lines between condemnation of Israel's actions and perceived anti-Semitism. Berlin has been a staunch military backer of Israel throughout the conflict.

The latest stir was caused by a Der Spiegel article published on Thursday, which revealed that The Left's candidate for mayor Elif Eralp had refrained from commenting on a known pro-Palestinian activist over fears for her family's safety.

The report by the news magazine triggered a debate about her ability to crack down on crime.

On Friday, it emerged that Eralp had been assigned personal protection for the conference, after she had asked the Berlin police to review her security status.

Security sources told dpa that a decision had been made to provide her with personal security, including due to a call for a demonstration at the party conference.

Some 80 people were protesting outside the conference venue on Saturday, according to a dpa reporter at the scene, decrying what organizers have described as a "betrayal of voters" on part of The Left party - which has already committed to several compromises in initial talks with the Greens and the SPD.

Protesters called for "consistent solidarity with Palestine and the socialization of property."

Representatives of the party's youth organization oppose a coalition with moderate parties and instead advocate a "strong socialist opposition."

If a majority of delegates vote in favour, formal coalition talks between the three parties are set to begin on Monday.

The party conference is being held under tight security. Police are stationed around the venue, with plainclothes officers also present inside.