Elections in Berlin: “Berlin has voted. But it remains complicated””

After the unsuccessful attempt the first time, the Berliners went to the ballot box again. The result speaks volumes: the citizens no longer want to “keep it up” and Franziska Giffey and her party, the SPD, were punished. The Union received support for this. But that may not be enough for a change. “The left alliance can probably muddle on,” writes the “Augsburger Allgemeine Zeitung”. The press draws these lessons from the election in the capital:

They don’t want “keep it up” in Berlin

“Leipziger Volkszeitung“: “The repeat election in Berlin has not brought any clarity and threatens to plunge the capital into the next crisis: the CDU has clearly won, but may not be able to govern. The SPD, the Greens and the Left saved their majority with heavy losses. It is still unclear whether they will pull themselves together to form the next state government – ​​it is unclear with whom at the top. The continuation of this alliance would not be good. So much more is needed in Berlin than just carrying on.”

“Reutlingen General Gazette“: “(…) if you can read something from the voting behavior, then it is the dissatisfaction with the work of the previous red-red-green state government. But who cares about the will of the voters when there is the prospect of a seat on the government bench. When politicians set an example that their own interests are paramount, nobody can be surprised why Berlin has become a symbol of ungovernability and chaos.”

“Berlin newspaper“: “Franziska Giffey had tried before the election to bring the Social Democrats closer to the CDU line in many areas because it was clear to her that a policy that was primarily aimed at experiments such as rent caps, expropriations or Bullerbü traffic , cannot solve the real problems of Berliners and will lead to people turning away from the SPD. But her party doesn’t want that. Anyone who governs for so long believes too much in their own visions for a change of course. (…) Sure, even the Union could not do everything better, and above all not quickly. But a change that would break up encrusted structures and sweep away outdated views would at least be a start. It will take a long time to correct the mistakes of 20 years.”

“badish newspaper“: “And now? It is difficult to imagine that the previous alliance can continue to govern – even if it were mathematically possible. (…) Berliners, and that is perhaps the message of choice, long for a state government that will finally lead the city competently and seriously, not ideologically driven and light-footed, as has been the case for years. This is the only way to win back what the city lacks: trust in its leadership.”

“Stuttgart newspaper“: “SPD, Greens and Left would do well to look deep inside – and to understand the election result as a clear indication of how dissatisfied many people were with their government work. That’s no wonder in a city where many things work only moderately at best: from the question of whether you can get an appointment to apply for a new passport, to the tight housing market, to the lack of teachers in the schools. The state government is not solely responsible for all problems. In metropolises like Berlin, there are particularly big challenges in terms of poverty and integration. A growing metropolis is difficult to administer. However, the Senate made up of the SPD, Greens and Left has done its job anything but well. If the three parties still want to continue to govern together, they should be able to explain very well what they want to do differently in the future.”

The Union has won – but still hardly a chance

“Stuttgart News“: “Berlin has voted. But it remains complicated. Because the crazy thing in the capital is that a large number of people are dissatisfied with the work of the coalition of SPD, Greens and Leftists. And yet no clear counter-constellation has emerged. And now: As the strongest party, does the CDU automatically have the government mandate? No. It is part of the political craft that the party claims that it is now up to them alone. But the reality is different: A government can – legitimately – be led by those who manage to get a parliamentary majority behind them.”

“OM media“: “Franziska Giffey was punished so massively as head of government that a continuation of the old coalition (which will be the most likely solution) under her leadership can no longer be possible. The question may clear itself up when the Greens overtake the SPD (…). The CDU wants to hold exploratory talks, but that’s just rhetoric. It remains a triumph for the Union.”

“Augsburg General“: “The capital CDU will form the strongest faction in the House of Representatives in the future. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that Wegner will move into the Red City Hall as the new boss. Because the SPD, Greens and Left had to give up feathers, but it is probably enough for a continuation of the previous alliance. All three state associations tick much more left than in the federal government and other federal states. There are deep ideological reservations about the CDU, especially after the discussions about the origin of the violent New Year’s Eve criminals. Whether under the leadership of the Social Democrats or the Greens: The left-wing alliance can probably muddle on.”

“The bell“: “There is no doubt that this is a great success for the CDU’s top candidate, Kai Wegner. But in the worst case, a success that the 50-year-old can’t buy anything for. He is at odds with the Greens on many issues, and an alliance with the Left is out of the question anyway. And the FDP alone is not enough. It is not unlikely that the SPD and the Greens would prefer to continue a red-red-green coalition under their own leadership, rather than subordinating themselves to the CDU as a junior partner. Kai Wegner won the election and may still remain without access to power. He could become a king without a country.”

“Munich Mercury“: “Instead of chaos during the election, there is now chaos after the election. Yes, the CDU can feel like a winner, which is remarkable in a structurally more left-wing city. Their full result is a resounding slap in the face for red-green-red – there really shouldn’t be a ‘keep it up’. Only: with whom does Kai Wegner want to govern? The government search is likely to drag on. But it would be more than a G’schmäckle if red-green-red continues. In Berlin, politics and administration have to reinvent themselves. The riots on New Year’s Eve, the rapidly increasing rents, the anger about traffic or schools – the frustration is palpable. Even Berliners have had enough of the succinct, resigned “Dit is Berlin.”