The CDU and SPD in Berlin have taken an important step on their way to a joint state government. Seven weeks after the parliamentary elections were repeated, both parties presented their coalition agreement on Monday.
Under the striking heading “The best for Berlin”, they announced a billion-euro program for climate protection, administrative reform, better equipment for the police and fire brigade, more speed in the construction of new apartments and the continuation of the 29-euro ticket for Berlin’s local transport . It is a coalition agreement for everyone, said CDU state chief Kai Wegner, who wants to be the next governing mayor.
The overriding goal of a black-red Senate should be a policy of cohesion, as stated in the preamble to the 135-page coalition agreement. It’s finished, but not ready for signature. First, Berlin’s SPD members have to vote on it. The result is to be announced on April 23.
The next day, the state CDU decides at a party conference. If both sides agree, the signing of the contract is planned for April 26, said SPD state chairwoman Franziska Giffey on the further schedule for forming a government. At the plenary session in the House of Representatives on April 27, CDU state chief Wegner will be elected the new governing mayor. He would be the first Christian Democrat in this office since 2001 – and Giffey’s successor in the Red City Hall.
Climate protection “not free”
In their coalition agreement, both parties agreed on a program worth billions for climate protection. “You don’t get that for free,” said Wegner. The expenses are investments in the future. It is planned to create a special fund for “Climate Protection, Resilience and Transformation” with a volume of five billion euros. The new coalition is ready to spend up to five billion euros more if necessary at the end of 2024. “The CDU and SPD see overcoming the climate crisis as one of the most pressing issues of our time,” the text of the contract says.
The CDU and SPD also want to advance the long-demanded modernization of the Berlin administration. “We want clear responsibilities between the state and the districts,” said Wegner, announcing that a black-red state government would focus on the issue. When it comes to payment, the goal is to reach federal level within five years. “We’ll do that,” Wegner said.
It is also agreed in the coalition agreement to use additional technical means to combat crime in the capital. In certain places with an above-average crime rate, there should be video surveillance “on a case-by-case basis”. In addition, police officers, firefighters and employees of the regulatory offices should “immediately” receive so-called bodycams, i.e. cameras on their uniforms. The coalition also wants to consider purchasing its own police helicopter for Berlin. So far, the Berlin police have shared a helicopter with the federal police.
SPD co-chairman Raed Saleh assured that black and red will work to ensure that Berlin remains affordable for everyone. “I don’t wish for conditions like in London and Paris.” Saleh expressly referred this not only to high rents, but also to the area of ??education: daycare places in Berlin should remain free of charge. Pupils should also not have to pay anything for the use of public transport.
