Wegner responds to SPD criticism - Wegner finds the start of the election campaign too soon for himself

In a recent press conference, Mayor Kai Wegner of Berlin (CDU) discussed a range of topics, from littering and traffic management to administrative reform and the city's housing shortage.

Wegner believes that people can discern whether someone is talking about themselves or someone else during a campaign. This belief was evident in his direct targeting of the SPD, his remarks coming before the announcement of Steffen Krach as the SPD's new top candidate.

On the issue of littering, Wegner announced a collaboration with the city cleaning service BSR. A survey of 30,000 participants is to be published soon, aimed at addressing littering in the city.

Traffic management measures may be necessary on the newly opened highway section in Treptow to prevent traffic jams from becoming permanent. Wegner emphasized the need for action to ensure smooth traffic flow.

Wegner also addressed the housing shortage, advocating for more and faster construction to alleviate the issue. He emphasized the importance of protecting existing rents through an improved rent cap.

In the realm of safety, further amendments to the police law are planned. These include video surveillance in crime-prone areas and longer storage of video footage in train stations.

Wegner responded to criticism from Krach, the new SPD top candidate, who described city hall as "sluggish, unambitious, and half-hearted." Wegner dismissed these accusations, stating that his efforts in administrative reform were not sluggish or unambitious.

Wegner also expressed curiosity about Krach's views on controversial topics within the SPD, such as expropriation of housing corporations and handling of certain demonstrations. He virtually ruled out a coalition with the Left Party due to their radicalization, anti-Semitic tendencies, and hatred of the police.

To improve the situation on the streets, a construction site coordinator will be appointed, particularly to address "ghost construction sites." A coordination platform and an information system for citizens will also be established to control and put pressure on construction companies.

Visiting citizen's offices without an appointment in case of proven urgency will be possible in the future. Wegner stated that he has tackled the issue of administrative reform and that this was not a sluggish or unambitious effort.

Wegner and Krach are expected to meet and exchange views in the future. Despite having briefly encountered Krach years ago, Wegner said that to say he knows him would be an exaggeration.

Interestingly, Wegner posed the question of how the SPD and Greens will position themselves regarding cooperation with the Left Party. This question remains to be answered as the political landscape of Berlin continues to evolve.

Finally, Wegner reiterated that it's too early to start campaigning for the 2026 state election. The focus, it seems, remains on addressing the issues at hand and moving Berlin forward.

Wegner responds to SPD criticism - Wegner finds the start of the election campaign too soon for himself