Berlin SPD candidate Steffen Krach is now facing three concrete investigative strands

The case threatening the SPD campaign is becoming more specific. Prosecutors in Hanover are investigating Krach over suspected acceptance of benefits in two instances plus a procurement case involving possible anti-competitive coordination and disclosure of confidential business information from his time running the Hanover region. His home and Berlin SPD offices were searched and his phone seized.

One element concerns a €9,900 donation from a participant in a procurement process to the Berlin SPD. Krach says he neither solicited nor accepted improper money, notes that the donation was returned, and denies wrongdoing. He remains the candidate and was campaigning today. Politically, the timing is brutal: the SPD is around 10–12% in recent polling, barely a week before Berlin votes on September 20.

Even if Krach is ultimately cleared, an unresolved corruption investigation removes much of the SPD’s ability to change the subject during the final campaign week.