Graf pitches Red-Green-Red—and bets on three transport issues

TVS News AI, editorially supervised, presents Graf pitches Red-Green-Red—and bets on three transport issues.

Werner Graf is strongly advocating an alliance between the SPD, Greens and Left. The parliamentary group leader of the Berlin Greens publicly campaigned for a red-green-red coalition on October 19, 2026, highlighting above all transport policy points from the negotiation paper.

According to Tagesspiegel, three issues are at the forefront for Graf: more cycle paths, better local public transport and forgoing an extension of the A100. At the same time, the parliamentary group leader is talking of a “new era in transport policy,” the newspaper said, a signal to his own base, which places particular emphasis on the ecological profile during coalition negotiations.

Why the A100 is the political signal

The A100 extension is among the most debated transport projects in the capital. Supporters see it as necessary relief for city traffic, while critics accuse the project of attracting new traffic rather than diverting it. If Red-Green-Red actually halts construction, that would represent a clear course change in Berlin transport policy—and a visible result of a new Senate coalition.

What cycle paths and public transport mean in practice

More cycle paths and better local public transport address a very real everyday concern for many Berliners. Cramped U-Bahns, delayed buses and unreliable S-Bahn trains have been among the city’s most common complaints for years. The investments in buses and rail announced in the negotiation paper would therefore have an impact far beyond the Greens’ traditional voter base—and at the same time improve the environmental performance of Berlin’s transport system.

What Graf wants to achieve with the appearance

The public appearance by the Greens’ parliamentary group leader is part of the ongoing government formation in Berlin. The SPD, Greens and Left are negotiating over a joint negotiation paper, which has apparently progressed far enough for the Greens’ parliamentary group to campaign for it. By clearly highlighting transport policy achievements, Graf gives party members and the public tangible points of connection—and makes the alliance with the SPD and Left acceptable to his own electorate.

What remains to be done

With his campaigning for Red-Green-Red, Graf is positioning himself during a decisive phase of the government formation. The negotiation paper is so far only a basis for negotiations—the actual coalition negotiations and approval by the party committees are still outstanding. Whether the Greens’ base will ultimately go along will become clear in the specific wording of the final coalition agreement.