SPD Member Krach clashes with Wegner, positioning for victory

In a rousing speech in Berlin, Steffen Krach, the designated top candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) for the 2026 House of Representatives election, declared his ambition to win the election and reclaim the capital for the SPD. Krach, who has been serving as the President of the Region of Hannover since 2021, expressed his optimism and fighting spirit as he addressed a crowd of 18,000 comrades in Berlin.

Krach believes that Berlin, with its potential in sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, security, cleanliness, and innovations, could lead the way in these areas if given the opportunity. He criticised the current governance of Berlin, stating that it is sluggish, lacking ambition, and half-hearted. Krach asserts that Berlin needs more power and a strong statement from the Red City Hall to achieve these goals.

In his speech, Krach referred to the Mayor's Office as the Red City Hall and criticised the current Mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner (CDU), for not taking clear positions on issues beneficial to Berlin's residents. Wegner, who is criticised for his lack of decisiveness, focuses on improving health policy by addressing issues such as equal wages and working conditions for healthcare workers, as well as structural reforms to better integrate district-level involvement and fiscal responsibility within Berlin’s administration.

Krach's campaign goal is to reclaim the capital for the SPD and he has been actively challenging Wegner in his public appearances. In his recent speech, Krach emphasised that it's not about coming in second or third, but about first place. He also asserted that Berlin needs a strong statement from the Red City Hall to achieve its goals and reclaim its position as a leader in various sectors.

The official crowning of Krach as the top candidate will take place at a party conference on November 15. The election for the House of Representatives in Berlin is scheduled for September 20, 2026. As the race heats up, Krach and Wegner will continue to face off, with Berlin's residents eagerly watching as the city's future hangs in the balance.