Facing constant public debates about his personal capacity, Berlin’s incumbent Mayor, Kai Wegner, announced political ramifications on Friday in Berlin. He stated that he will not run as the top candidate in the upcoming Abgeordnetenhaus election on September 20. While stepping down from the pinnacle campaign role, he confirmed that he intends to continue serving as Mayor for the time being, believing the coalition is unlikely to name a new mayoral candidate so close to the election.
In a personal statement, Wegner reflected on his political journey-from a contentious CDU state chairperson and leading candidate to the current Mayor-adding that he always aimed to remain authentic, despite various skepticism about his career progression.
He also acknowledged communication mistakes, saying, “Yes, I have made communicative errors. And yes, believe me, I regret it the most,” referencing his crisis management following the January arson attack on the Berlin power grid. Although he called the handling “rubbish,” he stressed that the errors themselves were not something he wished to be blamed for.
Wegner explained that he struggles to push through important issues currently because “another debate overshadows everything.” He emphasized that the interests of the city and his party supersede his personal ambitions, declaring, “The City of Berlin is more important than one person.” Consequently, he announced he would inform the CDU district chairman that he would “distance himself from a top candidacy” and no longer be available as a leading candidate.
Wegner linked his withdrawal to a call for the party to present a unified front during the campaign. He stressed the necessity of preventing a coalition led by the Left Party, stating, “It is now about strengthening the center in this city, ensuring that far-left extremists do not take the lead here.”
Reviewing his tenure, the Mayor cited the achievements of the black-red coalition, including the approved administrative reform, improvements to Berlin public offices, support for police and security agencies, and his dedicated efforts against antisemitism and for the protection of Jewish life.
