Berlin - Berlin's reformed communists were shut out of power in the city yesterday after the Social Democrats (SPD) decided to form a coalition with the Green Party and the Liberal Party (FDP), writes Derek Scally.
Speculation was high that the SPD would form a coalition with the PDS after last week's state election left the reformed communists with 23 per cent of the vote, making them the third largest party in the city.
"This decision is a disgrace and a political mistake that will further divide the city," said Mr Gregor Gysi, the former leader of the PDS. One in two voters in eastern Berlin voted for the PDS, political heirs to the communist SED party. Mr Gysi accused the Berlin SPD of "buckling under pressure" from the Chancellor, Mr Gerhard Schr÷der.
Mr Schr÷der told Le Monde on Monday that he would be unhappy to see the PDS in power in Berlin.
The city needs help and funding from the federal government to help reduce the city's £27 billion mountain of debt.