Wegner calls Berlin state election a fateful vote and demands SPD distance itself from the Left Party

In terms of substance, Wegner highlighted several projects from his time in office so far. He pointed to the adopted administrative reform and summarized: "Wir haben geliefert. Die Verwaltungsreform ist beschlossen." He also cited the "Schneller-Bauen-Gesetz" (Faster Building Act) as a success in housing policy and pointed to 80,000 newly built apartments during the current legislative term. "Wir sind erfolgreich gewesen. Es waren drei gute Jahre für Berlin," he said. "Wir müssen mehr bauen" remained the central guiding principle.

Bilateral pressure on SPD and Greens

On the question of possible coalitions after the election, Wegner issued a clear demand to his current coalition partner, the SPD. "So eine Partei gehört nicht in Regierungsverantwortung und hier würde ich mir von der SPD auch klare Worte wünschen," he said with reference to the Left Party. It must distance itself decisively. "Oder gibt es Koalitionen mit einer sich radikalisierten Linkspartei mit klaren Positionen gegen die Polizei, mit klaren antisemitischen Positionen," Wegner continued. He summed up his position on possible expropriation of housing with the words: "Mit mir wird es Enteignungen von Wohnraum in Berlin definitiv nicht geben. Ich schließe das kategorisch aus."

Wegner also addressed demands to the Greens, who are considered a possible third coalition partner. "Die Grünen müssen sich auch mal von diesen Punkten verabschieden" – there were differences particularly on the issue of transport policy. In view of the currently weaker polling numbers for the black-red coalition, Wegner expressed confidence. "Das war 2023 ja ganz ähnlich. Damals hat auch keiner gesagt, die CDU wird diese Wahl gewinnen." At the same time, he conceded: "Das Jahr hätte definitiv besser starten können."

On infrastructure policy, Wegner reaffirmed the CDU's course on the further expansion of the city motorway. "Wir werden den 17. Bauabschnitt der A100 realisieren!" he announced. He also defended the already completed 16th construction phase as the right decision. On Tempelhofer Feld, he also spoke out in favor of peripheral development: "Wer diese Randbebauung will, muss am 20. September CDU wählen."

Priorities: Building, A100, Tempelhofer Feld

In general, Wegner derived a clear claim to government from his party's plans. "Dafür braucht es eine CDU in der Verantwortung," he said. He rejected a left-wing majority with the Greens and the Left Party, and possibly the SPD. Berlin should be governed by common sense, not "links-grüne Ideologie." He also reaffirmed his intention to remain Governing Mayor after the election. At the party conference, he was also to be elected as the CDU's top candidate for the election.

With regard to citizen-friendly administration, the head of government pointed to progress in appointment scheduling at the citizen offices. Short-notice appointments were no longer a problem there – a reference to concrete results of the administrative reform. At the same time, Wegner emphasized that the CDU, with its policy of the center, wanted to remain accessible to a broad majority in the city.

The date of the state election is set for 20 September. Until then, Wegner will significantly shape the CDU's election campaign, with the coalition question likely to play a central role. The SPD will probably have to take a position on the extent to which it rules out an alliance with the Left Party. The Greens are also being called on to adjust their positions on transport policy, should a new government with CDU involvement be formed after the election.