Berlin's Left Party, Social Democrat and Green parties are working towards a new red-red-green government, setting out an ambitious list of priorities for the capital. Their plans include cheaper social transport passes, a rent cap at state-owned housing companies and support for neighbourhood services.
The most eye-catching proposal is the return of the €9 monthly social transport ticket for people receiving qualifying benefits, dropping from €27.50, alongside a discounted nationwide Deutschlandticket for eligible passengers. Other priorities feature more cycle paths and bus lanes, additional money for climate adaptation, a four-point economic development plan, free museum Sundays and renovations to police and fire stations.
Separately, Berlin's Social Affairs Administration plans to launch the browser-based Fairgnügen Pass in February to provide digital proof of eligibility for transport, sporting and cultural discounts. The €220 million earmarked for additional spending may not cover everything on the list, with other costly ambitions including extending the U-Bahn, building the Charité Children's Hospital and bringing large private housing companies into public ownership.
Berlin does not yet have a finished coalition agreement, with parties having divided negotiations among specialist working groups involving more than 300 people. Each group must turn agreed priorities into detailed proposals while explaining how they would be funded and identifying financial risks.
The working groups have between 21 and 36 days to report, with the first deadline on November 26th and the budget group due by December 11th. The leadership group plans to begin its final review on December 16th, ahead of the parties aiming to present a coalition agreement in January.
Source: The Local. Read the original report ↗