Agreed upon actions for administrative changes ahead

Senate and the divisions they represent - Agreed upon actions for administrative changes ahead

The Berlin Senate, districts, and various representatives in the House of Representatives have concluded a collective strategy to institute a broad administrative overhaul. The next few months will involve mutually deciding about 20 regions that will be influenced by the reforms, like justice, interior, personnel, and digitalization, alongside creating a comprehensive breakdown of which tasks will be administered by the state level and which will fall under the district's jurisdiction. By December, they aim to have a law drafted for implementing reforms, as per the mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner (CDU).

CDU and SPD arrived at this consensus in their coalition agreement back in 2023 when they committed to modernizing Berlin's notoriously disorganized administration and specifying the roles of both the state and districts. The financial system, binding, and recruitment at the personal level should also be addressed. Wegner prioritized this goal and brought in the Greens and Left in the process.

On Friday, he summoned members from the Senate, districts, and representatives of CDU, SPD, Greens, and Left to the Red City Hall for a vital meeting. Wegner believes this development marks a significant progression towards an effective Berlin.

The mayor of Treptow-Köpenick, Oliver Igel (SPD), underlined the united stance of the participants. "We are fed up with blaming each other. We want to share responsibility together." The citizens' welfare hinges on an efficient administration.

Wegner pledged to push for a comprehensive and long-lasting reform. "If we find it necessary, we might need to update the state constitution," he stated. "At the very least when we discuss financial connections." A constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives. Therefore, the current government alliance requires assistance from other factions.

Several economic associations implored the political sphere on Friday to enforce the reforms decisively. "Vital districts, a potent Senate, and clear responsibilities are irreplaceable prerequisites for an efficient administration," explained the President of the IHK, Sebastian Stietzel. "The upcoming state organization law, which explicitly clarifies the responsibilities, could significantly streamline the current bureaucratic chaos." However, a modernized constitution is also necessary.

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1. The Berlin Senate, consisting of various parties including the SPD, CDU, and Greens, have agreed to implement administrative changes, as previously stipulated in the coalition agreement.
2. In the upcoming months, 'House of Representatives' members will collaborate with the Senate to decide on 20 regions affected by the reforms, including justice, digitization, and personnel administration.
3. Kai Wegner, the mayor of Berlin and a CDU representative, has set a goal to finalize a law draft for implementing these reforms by December.
4. The Berlin Senate, represented by figures like Kai Wegner and Oliver Igel (SPD), aims to foster an effective administration in Berlin by sharing responsibilities and promoting unity.
5. Wegner has emphasized the need for a comprehensive and long-lasting reform, potentially necessitating an update to the state constitution, if necessary.
6. Economic associations have urged the political sphere to promptly enforce the administrative reforms, noting that a streamlined, modernized system with clear responsibilities is vital for an efficient Berlin administration.

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