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Berlin Coalition Advances Headscarf Amendments, Surveillance Powers and Apprenticeship Levy

The proposal responds to a 2023 court ruling by allowing teachers to wear headscarves under defined conditions.

Overview

  • The coalition will amend Berlin’s Neutrality Law to permit female teachers to wear Islamic headscarves unless they pose a demonstrable threat to school peace.
  • Lawmakers plan a July 10 vote on the package during the final House of Representatives session before the summer recess.
  • Under changes to the ASOG, police will gain expanded video surveillance authority in high-crime areas and enhanced telecommunications monitoring alongside longer exclusion orders for violent ex-partners.
  • A training levy will be introduced to finance up to 2,000 extra apprenticeship positions, triggering charges only if targets are unmet by year-end.
  • The reform agenda also includes drafting a framework to socialize large property companies and linking Berlin’s minimum wage to federal rate increases.