Berlin will be governed by the CDU for the first time in almost a quarter of a century. The Berlin Social Democrats have brought their city no surprise. Despite long struggles, violent arguments and isolated verbal gaffes, the majority of the 18,556 members voted for a coalition with the Christian Democrats pronounced. Berlin is being ruled by the CDU for the first time in a quarter of a century.
The CDU and SPD now have the opportunity to surprise – more than perhaps other alliances before. Because with dysfunctionality a senate can hardly amaze Berliners anymore. Even the repeat election that had become necessary as a preliminary low point triggered more shrugs than real shock reactions in the city. It’s sad, but true, what can surprise the residents of Berlin is simple: success.
The prerequisite for this will be that both parties work together differently in the future than the previous alliance partners. The CDU and SPD could build on the mode that they have found in recent weeks. The coalition negotiations went largely silently and the tight schedule was adhered to. The matter-of-fact manner was repeatedly praised by representatives of both parties.
Anna Thewalt is an editor in the state parliament office of the Tagesspiegel.
In order for this joint approach to continue to be successful, all actors in the SPD must – in the interests of Berlin – accept the majority opinion of their members. This applies to left-wing state politicians as well as to left-wing federal general secretaries.
But the displeasure of many officials is likely to result in personnel changes at the next party congress in May. As Successor to Franziska Giffey Cansel Kiziltepe is already under discussion, who is also to become a senator. Party leader Raed Saleh dismissed the question of personnel changes on Sunday. But they could be a signal to all those who voted against the coalition with the CDU. If it comes to that, the personnel changes should take place in the interests of the city without major settlements. Otherwise Berlin could plunge into the next crisis.
And the CDU, the beaming winner of the repeat election? The party must prove that it is not just about power, but that it is pursuing a constructive idea for the city. In the coalition agreement, the CDU mainly made concessions instead of setting its own accents. She first has to show how she wants to define her style, especially with an inexperienced head of government.
A coalition is coming to Berlin, which the city already had for ten years until 2001 and, under SPD leadership, from 2011 to 2016. But times are different, and so are the challenges. Only three years remain for the black-red alliance. The designated ruler Kai Wegner has already declared administrative reform a top priority. If progress is actually made here, it could also benefit an overarching goal. Wegner called it: Bringing Berlin together. The coalition needs to start working on the basic workings of the city. Another central point: climate protection.
The future government alliance with the special fund has made an announcement here that is still waiting to be implemented. In the past, the CDU and SPD have repeatedly criticized the Greens’ climate and transport policies. Now they have to show what their path looks like. If it only consists of allaying concerns and spelling out the balance between all interests, that will not be enough.
Instead, the CDU and SPD could start with a few projects with a signal effect to show that they are serious. On the one hand, for example, inaugurate central cycle streets and at the same time open Friedrichstrasse back to car traffic. The space around Gendarmenmarkt could be pedestrian zone become.
If the black-red coalition picks up speed and black-red succeeds in setting the course for a new metropolitan policy, Berliners could experience a positive surprise, despite all modest expectations.
