Berlin SPD candidate Steffen Krach strongly criticized the planned cuts to the housing allowance (Wohngeld) proposed by Finance Minister and SPD leader Lars Klingbeil. Speaking to the “Welt”, Krach asserted that the plan is fundamentally flawed and urged immediate action to halt it. He argued that discussing such cuts harms low-income residents, especially when the entire country is already experiencing uncertainty. Furthermore, he criticized the timing of the proposals, suggesting that the government’s approach-which came after the party faced significant opposition from the AfD-appeared to benefit the far-right party, labeling it a clear political advantage for the AfD.
Addressing the housing crisis, the SPD politician highlighted the need for substantial initiatives in the rental market. Krach called for increased construction, proposing the building of 20,000 new homes every year, amounting to 100,000 units over the next legislative period. In addition, he advocated for implementing a temporary rent cap.
On matters of coalition building, Krach stated clearly that he excludes the AfD from any potential partnership in Berlin. While maintaining that the Berlin Left remains under close observation, he drew firm political lines, ensuring that “there will be no anti-Semites in the Senate”. Looking at local politics, he criticized the current CDU governing mayor, Kai Wegner, calling him “by far the worst governing mayor since the Fall”.
