Berlin, April 24, 2026
Berlin’s Culture Senator Sarah Wedl-Wilson is reportedly on the verge of resigning following a damning report by the Berlin State Audit Office that uncovered severe legal violations in the allocation of millions of euros for anti-antisemitism projects.
Audit Reveals Funding Irregularities
The Berlin State Audit Office found that the Cultural Administration’s procedures for processing and paying out certain funding applications violated the State Budget Order and other regulations. The report, which has been corroborated by multiple sources, identified significant omissions in the oversight of funds earmarked for projects against antisemitism.
A total of 13 projects scheduled for 2025 received approximately 2.6 million euros from the Cultural Administration’s budget, designated for "projects of particular political importance." These projects were part of a list of 18 initiatives that the Berlin CDU faction had aggressively pushed for within the Cultural Administration. The audit’s findings have raised questions about whether political pressure influenced funding decisions.
Political Backlash and Investigations
The Left and Green parties have accused Wedl-Wilson and her predecessor, Joe Chialo, of yielding to improper pressure from CDU lawmakers. Critics argue that the funding allocations were politically motivated rather than based on merit or need.
An investigative committee has been examining the allegations since December, scrutinizing the roles of both Wedl-Wilson and Chialo in the approval process. The committee’s work has intensified following the audit’s release, with opposition parties demanding accountability.