The U.S. House of Representatives... - Saleh cautions his party to avoid conflicts with the CDU.
Looking at the situation from the perspective of Berlin's Social Democratic Party (SPD) faction leader Raed Saleh, the discussion about free-of-charge kindergartens and free lunches at schools is now resolved. "The issue of free-of-charge kindergartens has been resolved at the party congress," Saleh told the German Press Agency. The newly elected leaders - Martin Hikel and Nicola Böcker-Giannini - had previously critiqued the "free culture" that Saleh has advocated for years.
Saleh views Berlin as a model for free-of-charge kindergartens
Free-of-charge kindergartens are not simply an end goal, according to Saleh; they're part of a larger social democratic vision. "Other states are now emulating our example, Brandenburg is considering free lunches at school, and other states are gradually introducing free-of-charge kindergartens," he said. Thus far, Berlin has been ahead of the curve.
Saleh expressed great pride in contributing to this effort: "I'm really proud that I've helped make this possible, so we can ease the burden for people living in the city." Saleh is glad that Hikel and Böcker-Giannini have publicly endorsed free-of-charge kindergartens at the party congress. "I acknowledge that and am happy they're defending this position."
The future of the 29-euro ticket, which launches on July 1, is uncertain, in Saleh's opinion. "The 29-euro ticket was our idea and our promise. And promises are kept," he said. "But what does that mean for the future?" The fate of the 29-euro ticket depends on its implementation and the impact it has on the mobility transition.
Saleh queries if the 29-euro ticket can be funded within two years
"Whether the 29-euro ticket can be financed in two years depends on how it's implemented and what the consequences are for the mobility transition." As of now, approximately 110,000 tickets have been sold. The implications of the 29-euro ticket for the mobility transition will determine its fate.
Saleh anticipates a rising budgetary pressure in Berlin
"The financial pressure in Berlin is expected to increase, according to the consensus of all parties," Saleh said. "We will be focusing intensively on the budget issues in Berlin from now on. The offices that have recently submitted their delayed savings proposals to Finance Senator Stefan Evers (CDU) are on the right track for 2024."
Saleh acknowledged that the actual challenge lies ahead: "The real job is still to come, it's immense, massive: It's about the budget for 2025 and 2026. Here, we'll need to cut a significantly higher amount." He's glad the SPD has settled its internal issues with the election of the two party leaders. "The expectation for the party is to be more involved in debates, including on the budget. And that's right."
Saleh cautions against public conflict with the CDU
Saleh, who missed out on the party chairmanship in the member poll but was re-elected as faction leader, sees himself as a mediator between the SPD faction, the senate, and the party: "The faction is responsible for factoring the party's perspective into parliamentary work and monitoring the senate. Our common goal remains: The Red City Hall should be red again in 2026."
Simultaneously, Saleh warned against open conflict with the coalition partner CDU: "We've been cooperating closely in the coalition, but we'll resolve our differences internally and not on a public stage," he emphasized. "It's clear that people don't want politics to fight in public. The times are tricky enough as it is. This isn't my dream coalition, but it makes sense now, and we have to deliver."
