Holding hands, yes, but without a demonstrative kiss in the flickering flashlights of the cameras: Berlin’s governing mayor Kai Wegner and his partner, Education Senator Katharina Günther-Wünsch (both CDU), made their first official appearance as a couple. They appeared together at the traditional Berlin Business Ball of the Association of Berlin Merchants and Industrialists (VBKI). Later in the evening they were photographed together in detail in front of the organizers’ photo wall.
In January, Wegner and the Education Senator announced through their lawyer that they had decided to enter into a relationship in the fall of 2023. They had not yet appeared visibly as a couple.
Wegner first attended the Berlinale awards ceremony, while Günther-Wünsch was already sitting in the Baalsaal of the Hotel Intercontinental near the Berlin Zoo. Just before 10 p.m. sharp, she picked him up at the company car – and they both strolled to the entrance holding hands. They were greeted by the crowd of photographers, but appeared to be completely relaxed.
When asked about common dances, a sense of rhythm and classical leadership by men, Günther-Wünsch said: “When it comes to dancing, it’s definitely traditional too.” Things became more complicated when it came to the topic of joint work plus a relationship. Wegner said: “It works quite well. You have to have the will, you have to have good coordination. And then you do it quite well. Sometimes it’s challenging, especially in an office like this with very, very many appointments has.” When asked, Günther-Wünsch added more formally: “As Mr. Wegner just said: a lot of organization, good communication and coordination.”
